DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to control systems for electrical equipment safety. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a humidity control and data collection system for an electrical enclosure and a method thereof.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Switchgear and transformers are essential and the most critical and costly components in a power network. The electrical enclosures pertaining to switchgear and transformers are susceptible to faults, especially when the humidity level inside these enclosures is too high or when the temperatures swing sharply.
Particularly, when a warm and humid air inside an electrical enclosure such as cable box comes in contact with the enclosure’s casing, it cools and condenses on the enclosure casing. When water accumulates/condenses inside the electrical enclosure, the risk of malfunction increases and it can result in premature ageing, short circuits, rusting, and breakdowns in the equipment housed inside the enclosure.
Further, the life of transformer and Switchgear components is primarily dependent on the quality and life of its insulating materials. Typically, the insulation degrades gradually with time, however, the degradation rate of insulation increases in the presence of excessive moisture. As moisture accumulates in the insulation, its conductivity increases, which in turn accelerates the ageing process of insulation. Under this condition, it is possible that on sudden temperature fall, for example, due to load shedding, the moisture level rises to a very high value, increasing the risk of localised electrical problems such as tracking, and eventually leading to a short-circuit, which is not desired.
Currently, there exists no means to remotely monitor and collect the data related to humidity levels inside the electrical enclosures and to control the humidity levels inside the enclosures remotely.
Therefore, there is a need for a humidity control and data collection system for an electrical enclosure and a method thereof that alleviates the abovementioned problems.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidity control and data collection system for an electrical enclosure and a method thereof.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidity control and data collection system that uses Internet of Things (IoT) devices to monitor and control humidity levels inside an electrical enclosure.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidity control and data collection system that prevents accelerated ageing of transformer or switchgear insulation due to moisture.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidity control and data collection system that facilitates real-time remote monitoring of moisture level inside an electrical enclosure such as terminal junction box.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidity control and data collection system that facilitates real-time remote control of the moisture level inside an electrical enclosure.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidity control and data collection system that alerts the operating personnel/staff when the moisture level exceeds a pre-determined safe limit.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a humidity control and data collection system for an electrical enclosure. The system comprises at least one sensor module, a server, a humidity controller, and a data monitoring and control unit. The sensor module is installed within the electrical enclosure and is configured to sense a humidity level inside the enclosure. The sensor module is further configured to generate a corresponding sensed humidity data in real-time. The real-time sensed humidity data includes digital values corresponding to the sensed humidity levels inside the electrical enclosure. The server is communicatively coupled to the sensor module and is configured to receive and store the real-time humidity data. The humidity controller is configured to control at least one humidity control device, upon activation, to maintain the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure within a pre-determined safe limit. The data monitoring and control unit is configured to receive the humidity data and an operating status of the humidity controller from the server and the humidity controller respectively, and is further configured to facilitate display of the received humidity data and the controller operating status on a display device to a user, generate one or more alert messages based on the received humidity data and the controller operating status, and activate or deactivate the humidity controller based on a user input. The data monitoring and control unit is configured to send the alert messages to a user device of a concerned operating personnel via a communication means. The alert messages may be in the form of email, SMS, or both.
In an embodiment, the sensor module comprises a sensor and a communication unit. The sensor is configured to sense the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure and is further configured to generate the corresponding sensed humidity data in real-time. The communication unit is configured to cooperate with the sensor to transmit the humidity data generated in real-time to the server. The communication unit can be selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, a Bluetooth module, a Zigbee module, a Wi-Fi module, a Radio Frequency (RF) based communication module, a low-power wide-area network (LoRaWAN) module, a Near field Communication (NFC) module, and a cellular Internet of Things (IoT) module.
In an embodiment, the data monitoring and control unit comprises a data display module, a first alerting module, a second alerting module, and a control module. The data display module is configured to process the received real-time humidity data to display the real-time sensed humidity values on the display device to the user. The first alerting module is configured to compare the real-time humidity level values with a pre-determined safe limit and is further configured to automatically generate a first alert message when the real-time humidity level value exceeds a pre-determined safe limit. The second alerting module is configured to receive the operating status of the humidity controller and generate a second alert message indicating a change in the operating state of the humidity controller. The control module is configured to facilitate the user to provide the input for switching on or switching off the humidity controller. The control module is further configured to generate an activating or deactivating signal based on the received input and send the generated signal to the humidity controller.
In an embodiment, the humidity control device is at least one of a heater unit comprising one or more heaters and installed within the electrical enclosure and a plurality of louvers at the location of the electrical enclosure.
In an embodiment, the humidity controller is configured to cooperate with the sensor module to receive the sensed humidity data upon receiving the activating signal. The humidity controller is further configured to turn on the heater unit when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit and turn off the heater unit when the real-time humidity level value becomes less than or equal to the pre-determined safe limit, thereby ensuring equipment safety at all times.
In another embodiment, the humidity controller is configured to close the louvers, when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit, to control the ingress of moisture and is further configured to open the louvers when the real-time humidity level value becomes less than or equal to the pre-determined safe limit.
In yet another embodiment, the humidity controller is configured to turn on the heater unit upon receiving the activating signal and is further configured to turn off the heater unit upon receiving the deactivating signal.
In a further embodiment, the humidity controller is configured to close the louvers upon receiving the activating signal and is further configured to open the louvers upon receiving the deactivating signal.
The present invention further envisages a humidity control and data collection method for an electrical enclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A humidity control and data collection system for an electrical enclosure of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1A illustrates a block diagram of a humidity control and data collection system for an electrical enclosure, in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 1B illustrates a block diagram of the humidity control and data collection system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a flow diagram of a humidity control and data collection method for an electrical enclosure, in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figures 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary flow chart of the method of Figures 2A and 2B; and
Figure 4 illustrates a screen shot of the output of the system of Figure 1A, in accordance with the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 – Electrical enclosure
100 – System
102, 104 – Wireless sensor modules
106 – Heater unit
108 – Server
110 – Data monitoring and control unit
110a – Data display module
110b – First alerting module
110c – Second alerting module
110d – Control module
112 – Humidity controller
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Switchgear and transformers are essential and the most critical and costly components in a power system. The electrical enclosures, such as cable boxes, pertaining to switchgear and transformers are susceptible to malfunctions, faults, or breakdowns, especially when the humidity level inside these enclosures is too high or when the temperatures swing sharply.
Further, the life of transformers and Switchgear is primarily dependent on the quality and life of its insulating materials. Typically, the insulation degrades gradually with time, however, the degradation rate of insulation increases in the presence of excessive moisture.
Currently, there exists no means to remotely monitor and collect the data related to humidity levels inside the electrical enclosures and to control the humidity levels inside the enclosures remotely.
In order to overcome the aforementioned problems, the present disclosure envisages a humidity control and data collection system (hereinafter referred to as “system 100”) for a low voltage electrical enclosure 10 and a method thereof (hereinafter referred to as “method 200”). The system 100 and method 200 are now being described with reference to Figure 1A through Figure 4.
Referring to Figure 1A, the system 100 comprises at least one sensor module 102, a server 108, a humidity controller 112, and a data monitoring and control unit 110. The sensor module 102 is installed within the electrical enclosure 10 and is configured to sense a humidity level inside the enclosure 10. The sensor module 102 is further configured to generate a corresponding sensed humidity data in real-time. The real-time sensed humidity data includes digital values corresponding to the sensed humidity levels inside the electrical enclosure 10. The server 108 is communicatively coupled to the sensor module 102 and is configured to receive and store the real-time humidity data. The humidity controller 112 is configured to control at least one humidity control device, upon activation, to maintain the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure within a pre-determined safe limit. The data monitoring and control unit 110 is configured to receive the humidity data and an operating status of the humidity controller 112 from the server 108 and the humidity controller 112 respectively, and is further configured to facilitate display of the received humidity data and the controller operating status on a display device to a user, generate one or more alert messages based on the received humidity data and the controller operating status, and activate or deactivate the humidity controller 112 based on a user input. The data monitoring and control unit 110 is configured to send the alert messages to a user device of a concerned operating personnel via a communication means. The alert messages may be in the form of email, SMS, or both.
In an embodiment, the sensor module 102 comprises a sensor and a communication unit. The sensor is configured to sense the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure 10 and is further configured to generate the corresponding sensed humidity data in real-time. The communication unit is configured to cooperate with the sensor to transmit the humidity data generated in real-time to the server 108. The communication unit can be selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, a Bluetooth module, a Zigbee module, a Wi-Fi module, a Radio Frequency (RF) based communication module, a low-power wide-area network (LoRaWAN) module, a Near field Communication (NFC) module, and a cellular Internet of Things (IoT) module.
In an embodiment, the data monitoring and control unit 110 comprises a data display module 110a, a first alerting module 110b, a second alerting module 110c, and a control module 110d. The data display module 110a is configured to process the received real-time humidity data to display the real-time sensed humidity values on the display device to the user. The real-time humidity values may be displayed in the form of table as shown in Figure 4. The first alerting module 110b is configured to compare the real-time humidity level values with a pre-determined safe limit and is further configured to automatically generate a first alert message when the real-time humidity level value exceeds a pre-determined safe limit. The second alerting module 110c is configured to receive the operating status (ON/OFF state) of the humidity controller 112 and generate a second alert message indicating a change in the operating state of the humidity controller 112. The control module 110d is configured to facilitate the user to provide the input for switching on or switching off the humidity controller 112. The control module 110d is further configured to generate an activating or a deactivating signal based on the received input and send the generated signal to the humidity controller 112. The pre-determined safe limit for generation of first alert message may be defined by a user.
An exemplary Pseudo code depicting the operation of the server 108 is as follows –
Start
Read real-time humidity data;
Store the real-time humidity data;
End
An exemplary Pseudo code depicting the operation of the data monitoring and control unit 110 is as follows –
Start
Read real-time humidity data and controller operating status; Step 1
Display real-time humidity data;
Read user input;
If (real-time humidity value > a pre-determined safe limit)
{
Generate a first alert message;
Send the first alert message to operating personnel;
}
Else
{
Return to step 1;
}
If (present controller operating status ? previous controller operating status)
{
Generate a second alert message;
Send the second alert message to operating personnel;
}
Else
{
Return to step 1;
}
If (user input == start humidity controller)
{
Start the humidity controller;
}
Else if (user input == stop humidity controller)
{
Stop the humidity controller;
}
Else
{
Don’t change the operating status of the humidity controller;
}
End
In an embodiment, the humidity control device is at least one of a heater unit 106 comprising one or more heaters and installed within the electrical enclosure 10 and a plurality of louvers at the location of the electrical enclosure 10.
In an embodiment, the humidity controller 112 is configured to cooperate with the sensor module 102 to receive the sensed humidity data upon receiving the activating signal. The humidity controller 112 is further configured to turn on the heater unit 106 when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit and turn off the heater unit 106 when the real-time humidity level value becomes less than or equal to the pre-determined safe limit, thereby ensuring equipment safety at all times.
In another embodiment, the humidity controller 112 is configured to close the louvers, when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit, to control the ingress of moisture and is further configured to open the louvers when the real-time humidity level value becomes less than or equal to the pre-determined safe limit.
The pre-determined safe limit for controlling the humidity control device(s) may be defined by a user. The pre-determined safe limit for generation of alerts may or may not be same as the pre-determined safe limit for control of heater unit 106 or louvers.
An exemplary Pseudo code depicting the operation of the humidity controller 112 is given below –
Start
Read real-time humidity data;
If (Real-time humidity value > pre-determined safe limit)
{
Turn on the heater unit;
Close the louvers;
}
Else
{
Turn off the heater unit;
Open the louvers;
}
End
In yet another embodiment, the humidity controller 112 is configured to turn on the heater unit 106 upon receiving the activating signal and is further configured to turn off the heater unit 106 upon receiving the deactivating signal.
In a further embodiment, the humidity controller 112 is configured to close the louvers upon receiving the activating signal and is further configured to open the louvers upon receiving the deactivating signal.
Another exemplary Pseudo code depicting the operation of the humidity controller 112 is given below –
Start
Read signal from data monitoring and control unit;
If (signal == activating signal)
{
Turn on the heater unit;
Close the louvers;
}
Else
{
Turn off the heater unit;
Open the louvers;
}
End
In the embodiment of Figure 1, the system 100 includes only one sensor module 102 which has both long range communication and short range communication capability. For example, a LoRa and RF/Bluetooth based sensor module 102 may be installed in the enclosure 10. The sensor module 102 may be configured to send the sensed humidity data to the server 108 via LoRa communication capability and may be further configured to send the sensed humidity data to the humidity controller 112 via the Bluetooth and RF.
Referring to an alternate embodiment of Figure 2, the system 100 includes two sensors modules – a sensor module 102 with a long range communication unit and a sensor module 104 with a short range communication unit. For example, a LoRa based sensor module 102 and a Bluetooth and RF based sensor module 104 may be installed in the enclosure 10. The LoRa based sensor module 102 may be configured to send the sensed humidity data to the server 108 and the Bluetooth and RF based sensor module 104 may be configured to send the sensed humidity data to the humidity controller 112.
Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the method 200 of humidity control and data collection for a low voltage electrical enclosure 10. The method comprises the following steps:
At step 202, at least one sensor module 102 installed within the electrical enclosure 10 senses a humidity level inside the enclosure 10.
At step 204, the sensor module 102 generates a sensed humidity data in real-time.
At step 206, a server communicatively coupled to the sensor module receives and stores 102 the real-time humidity data.
At step 208, a data monitoring and control unit 110 receives the humidity data and an operating status of a humidity controller 112 from the server 108 and the humidity controller 112 respectively.
At step 210, the data monitoring and control unit 110 processes the received real-time humidity data to display the real-time sensed humidity values on a display device to the user on a display device to a user.
At step 212, the data monitoring and control unit 110 generates one or more alert messages based on the received humidity data and the controller operating status. Particularly, in this step, a first alerting module 110b compares the real-time humidity level values with a pre-determined safe limit and automatically generates a first alert message when the real-time humidity level value exceeds a pre-determined safe limit. Further, a second alerting module 110c receives the operating status of the humidity controller 112 and generates a second alert message indicating a change in the operating state of the humidity controller 112.
At step 214, the data monitoring and control unit 110 facilitates the user to provide an input for switching on or switching off said humidity controller 112.
At step 216, the data monitoring and control unit 110 generates an activating or a deactivating signal based on the received input.
At step 218, the data monitoring and control unit 110 sends the generated signal to the humidity controller 112.
At step 220, the humidity controller 112, upon receiving activating signal, controls at least one humidity control device to maintain the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure within a pre-determined safe limit.
The method 200 further comprises the step of sending, by the data monitoring and control unit 110 the alert messages to a user device of a concerned operating personnel via a communication means.
In an embodiment, the step 220 of controlling at least one humidity control device comprises:
• cooperating, by the humidity controller 112, with the sensor module 102 to receive the sensed humidity data upon receiving the activating signal;
• turning on, by the humidity controller 112, a heater unit 106 when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit, thereby ensuring equipment safety at all times; and
• turning off, by the humidity controller 112, the heater unit 106 when the real-time humidity level value becomes less than or equal to the pre-determined safe limit.
In yet another embodiment, the step 220 comprises:
• closing, by the humidity controller 112, one or more louvers when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit, to control the ingress of moisture; and
• opening, by the humidity controller 112, the louvers when the real-time humidity level value becomes less than or equal to the pre-determined safe limit.
In yet another embodiment, the step 220 comprises:
• turning on, by the humidity controller 112, the heater unit 106 upon receiving the activating signal; and
• turning off, by the humidity controller 112, the heater unit 106 upon receiving the deactivating signal.
In a further embodiment, the step 220 comprises closing, by the humidity controller 112, the louvers upon receiving the activating signal and opening the louvers upon receiving the deactivating signal.
Referring to the flow charts of Figures 3A and 3B, in an operative working embodiment, the one or more sensor modules (102, 104) of the system 100 sense the humidity level inside an enclosure 10 such as a transformer cable box 10 and generate the real-time humidity data. The sensed humidity data is sent to server 108 for storage. The data monitoring and control unit 110 communicates with the server to facilitate users to remotely view/monitor the humidity level data. The data monitoring and control unit 110 also generates alerts when the sensed humidity value exceeds a safe limit and/or when the operating state of the humidity controller 112 changes. The data monitoring and control unit 110 further facilitates remote control of the heater unit 106 and/or the louvers to control the humidity level inside the cable box 10 and restrict further ingress of moisture. Particularly, when data monitoring and control unit 110 receives the user input to start the humidity controller 112, the humidity controller 112 is activated. In one embodiment referring to Figure 3B, upon activation, the humidity controller 112 receives real-time humidity data and compares real-time humidity values with a pre-determined safe limit. The humidity controller 112 turns on the heater unit 106 or closes the louvers when the real-time humidity values exceed the pre-determined safe limit and turns off the heater unit 106 or opens the louvers otherwise. In another embodiment, referring to Figure 3C, upon activation, the humidity controller 112 turns on the heater unit 106 or closes the louvers and upon deactivation, the humidity controller 112 turns off the heater unit 106 or closes the louvers. In this embodiment, the humidity controller 112 does not receive rea-time humidity data from the sensor module 102/104.
The system 100 may be implemented for data collection and humidity control in a power transformer, a switchgear, or any other electrical equipment for ensuring equipment and operator safety at all times.
The humidity controller 112 may be implemented or executed using one or more general-purpose processors, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), microprocessors, microcontrollers, or state machines. The controller 112 may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. The controller 112 may be configured to retrieve data from and/or write data to a memory. The memory may be, for example, a random-access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, a database, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a floppy disk, cloud storage, and/or so forth.
The data monitoring and control unit 110 may be a device or a computing station remotely located from the enclosure 10 and may allow users to remotely access humidity data and control the humidity levels inside the enclosure 10. The data display module 110a, the first alerting module 110b, the second alerting module 110c, and the control module 110d may also be implemented or executed using one or more one or more general-purpose processors, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), microprocessors, microcontrollers, or state machines. The data monitoring and control unit 110 may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. The data monitoring and control unit 110 may be configured to retrieve data from and/or write data to a memory. The memory may be, for example, a random-access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, a database, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a floppy disk, cloud storage, and/or so forth.
The communication means described herein may be a means for transmitting and receiving alert messages. The communication means may include, for example, the Internet, the World Wide Web, an intranet, cable (including fiber optic cable), magnetic communications, electromagnetic communications (including RF, microwave, and infrared communications), and electronic communications. Wireless communication means can support various wireless communication network protocols and technologies such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE), Code Division Multiplexing Access (CDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) and Global System for Mobile Telecommunication (GSM).
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a humidity control and data collection system for an electrical enclosure and a method thereof that:
• uses Internet of Things (IoT) devices to monitor and control humidity levels inside an electrical enclosure;
• prevents accelerated ageing of transformer or switchgear insulation due to moisture;
• facilitates real-time remote monitoring of moisture level inside an electrical enclosure such as terminal junction box;
• facilitates real-time remote control of the moisture level inside an electrical enclosure; and
• alerts the operating personnel/staff when the moisture level exceeds a pre-determined safe limit.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of devices, articles, or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A humidity control and data collection system (100) for a low voltage electrical enclosure (10), said system (100) comprising:
a. at least one sensor module (102) installed within the electrical enclosure (10), said sensor module (102) configured to sense a humidity level inside the enclosure (10), and further configured to generate a corresponding sensed humidity data in real-time;
b. a server (108) communicatively coupled to said sensor module (102) and configured to receive and store said real-time humidity data;
c. a humidity controller (112) configured to control at least one humidity control device upon activation to maintain the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure within a pre-determined safe limit; and
d. a data monitoring and control unit (110) configured to receive said humidity data and an operating status of said humidity controller (112) from said server (108) and said humidity controller (112) respectively, and further configured to facilitate display of the received humidity data and the controller operating status on a display device to a user, generate one or more alert messages based on the received humidity data and the controller operating status, and activate or deactivate said humidity controller (112) based on a user input.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor module (102) comprises:
a. a sensor configured to sense the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure (10), and further configured to generate the corresponding sensed humidity data in real-time; and
b. a communication unit configured to cooperate with said sensor to transmit the humidity data generated in real-time to said server (108).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said communication unit is selected from the group consisting of a Bluetooth module, a Zigbee module, a Wi-Fi module, a Radio Frequency (RF) based communication module, a low-power wide-area network (LoRaWAN) module, a Near field Communication (NFC) module, and a cellular Internet of Things (IoT) module.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said real-time humidity data includes digital values corresponding to the sensed humidity levels inside the electrical enclosure (10).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said data monitoring and control unit (110) comprises:
a. a data display module (110a) configured to process the received real-time humidity data to display the real-time sensed humidity values on the display device to the user;
b. a first alerting module (110b) configured to compare the real-time humidity level values with the pre-determined safe limit, and further configured to automatically generate a first alert message when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit;
c. a second alerting module (110c) configured to receive the operating status of said humidity controller (112) and generate a second alert message indicating a change in the operating state of the humidity controller (112); and
d. a control module (110d) configured to facilitate the user to provide the input for switching on or switching off said humidity controller (112), said control module (110d) further configured to generate an activating or a deactivating signal based on said received input and send said generated signal to said humidity controller (112).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said data monitoring and control unit (110) is configured to send said alert messages to a user device of a concerned operating personnel via a communication means.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said alert messages are in the form of email, SMS, or both.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said humidity control device is at least one of:
a. a heater unit (106) comprising one or more heaters and installed within the electrical enclosure (10); and
b. a plurality of louvers at the location of the electrical enclosure (10).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said humidity controller (112) is configured to cooperate with said sensor module (102) to receive said sensed humidity data, upon receiving said activating signal, and is further configured to turn on said heater unit (106) when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit and turn off said heater unit (106) when the real-time humidity level value becomes less than or equal to the pre-determined safe limit, thereby ensuring equipment safety at all times.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said humidity controller (112) is configured to close said louvers, when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit, to control the ingress of moisture and is further configured to open said louvers when the real-time humidity level value becomes less than or equal to the pre-determined safe limit.
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said humidity controller (112) is configured to turn on the heater unit (106) upon receiving said activating signal and is further configured to turn off the heater unit (106) upon receiving said deactivating signal.
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said humidity controller (112) is configured to close the louvers upon receiving said activating signal and is further configured to open the louvers upon receiving said deactivating signal.
13. A method of humidity control and data collection for a low voltage electrical enclosure (10), said method (200) comprising:
a. sensing (202), by at least one sensor module (102) installed within the electrical enclosure (10), a humidity level inside the enclosure (10);
b. generating (204), by said sensor module (102), a sensed humidity data in real-time;
c. receiving and storing (206), by a server (108) communicatively coupled to said sensor module (102), said real-time humidity data;
d. receiving (208), by a data monitoring and control unit (110), said humidity data and an operating status of a humidity controller (112) from said server (108) and said humidity controller (112) respectively;
e. processing (210), by said data monitoring and control unit (110), said received real-time humidity data to display the real-time sensed humidity values on a display device to a user;
f. generating (212), by said data monitoring and control unit (110), one or more alert messages based on the received humidity data and the controller operating status;
g. facilitating (214), by said data monitoring and control unit (110), the user to provide an input for switching on or switching off said humidity controller (112);
h. generating (216), by said data monitoring and control unit (110), an activating or a deactivating signal based on said received input;
i. sending (218), by said data monitoring and control unit (110), said generated signal to said humidity controller (112); and
j. controlling (220), by said humidity controller (112) upon receiving the activating signal, at least one humidity control device to maintain the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure within a pre-determined safe limit.
14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said step of generating one or more alert messages based on the received humidity data and the controller operating status comprises:
a. comparing, by a first alerting module (110b), the real-time humidity level values with the pre-determined safe limit;
b. automatically generating, by said first alerting module (110b), a first alert message when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit;
c. receiving, by a second alerting module (110c), the operating status of said humidity controller (112); and
d. generating, by said second alerting module (110c) a second alert message indicating a change in the operating state of the humidity controller (112).

15. The method (200) as claimed in claim 13, which comprises sending, by said data monitoring and control unit (110) said alert messages to a user device of a concerned operating personnel via a communication means.
16. The method (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the step of controlling (220) at least one humidity control device to maintain the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure within the pre-determined safe limit comprises:
a. cooperating, by said humidity controller (112), with said sensor module (102) to receive said sensed humidity data upon receiving said activating signal;
b. turning on, by said humidity controller (112), a heater unit (106) when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit, thereby ensuring equipment safety at all times; and
c. turning off, by said humidity controller (112), the heater unit (106) when the real-time humidity level value becomes less than or equal to the pre-determined safe limit.
17. The method (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the step of controlling (220) at least one humidity control device to maintain the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure within the pre-determined safe limit comprises:
a. closing, by said humidity controller (112), one or more louvers when the real-time humidity level value exceeds the pre-determined safe limit, to control the ingress of moisture; and
b. opening, by said humidity controller (112), the louvers when the real-time humidity level value becomes less than or equal to the pre-determined safe limit.
18. The method (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the step of controlling (220) at least one humidity control device to maintain the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure within the pre-determined safe limit comprises:
a. turning on, by said humidity controller (112), the heater unit (106) upon receiving said activating signal; and
b. turning off, by said humidity controller (112), the heater unit (106) upon receiving said deactivating signal.
19. The method (200) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the step of controlling (220) at least one humidity control device to maintain the humidity level inside the electrical enclosure within the pre-determined safe limit comprises closing, by said humidity controller (112), the louvers upon receiving said activating signal and opening the louvers upon receiving said deactivating signal.

Dated this 10th day of November, 2021

MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA-25
of R.K. DEWAN & COMPANY,
APPLICANT’S PATENT ATTORNEY