DESC:
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970 (39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS (AMENDMENT) RULES, 2006 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:

Power Management System And Method Thereof

2. APPLICANT:
a) Name : Panasonic Life Solutions India Private Limited
b) Nationality : IN
c) Address : 3rd Floor, B wing I- Think Techno Campus Pokhran, Road No 2 Thane (West), Thane, Maharashtra 400607, India
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
COMPLETE
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to
be performed.

1

POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
5
The present disclosure relates to power management and more particularly, to a system and a method for controlling power supply to electronic devices through smart plugs based on power factor.

10 BACKGROUND

In our home or at even commercial spaces, there are multiple electronic devices, for our daily lifestyle, such as air conditioner, refrigerator, WiFi-router, chimney, television, and water heater. A lot of significant efforts are being made to
15 save electric energy and ensure optimum usage of devices. Development of smart home devices is a step in that direction.

Many smart home devices have a power measuring function for measuring their own power consumption, which may then be shared with other devices using
20 a wired or wireless external communication protocol. Nowadays, smart plugs are gaining widespread popularity. Whenever an electronic device operates, the smart plug has a function of measuring consumption power and transmitting the measured consumption power to another device, for example, a centralized power management controller. When such a smart plug is used, a smart living space may
25 be established even with the existing general electronic devices.

Power factor is one of the primary criteria for efficient energy consumption. Power factor is an expression of energy efficiency. It is usually expressed as a percentage and lower the percentage, the less efficient power usage is. Power factor
30 is the ratio of working power, measured in kilowatts (kW), to apparent power, measured in kilovolt amperes (kVA). Apparent power, also known as demand, is the measure of the amount of power used to run devices during a certain period. It

is found by multiplying (kVA = V x A). The result is expressed as kVA units. PF expresses the ratio of true power used in a circuit to the apparent power delivered to the circuit. A 96% power factor demonstrates more efficiency than a 75% power factor. If a circuit were 100% efficient, demand would be equal to the power
5 available. When demand is greater than the power available, a strain is placed on the electrical distribution network. Many electrical distribution networks then add a demand charge to the bills of users to offset differences between supply and demand.

10 The lower the power factor, the less efficient is the circuit, and the higher the overall operating cost. The higher the operating cost, the higher the likelihood that electrical distribution network will reflect overutilization. Thus, a pricing for consumption of electric energy for the user will be high as power factor increases the overall cost of a power distribution system because the lower power factor
15 requires a higher current to supply the loads.

Therefore, there is a need for a system and method to monitor the power factor of the electrical distribution network when devices are drawing power supply.

20 The existing technology has failed to provide a power management system and method which may notify the user when the PF is less than the required value. Further, it is also required that the power management system and method should be capable to execute instructions for maintaining control of power supply in smart plugs.
25
SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This
30 summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a power management system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of monitoring devices adapted to control a power supply to a plurality of electronic devices coupled to an electrical distribution network, and a memory unit adapted to store a threshold value for a
5 power factor. The threshold value is defined based on a user input. The system also includes a controller in communication with the plurality of monitoring devices and the memory unit. The controller is adapted to determine a current value of the power factor of the electrical distribution network while providing the power supply to each of the plurality of electronic devices, compare the current value with the
10 threshold value of the power factor, and transmit an instruction to operate the plurality of monitoring devices for controlling power supply to the plurality of electronic devices based on the comparison, such that a value of the power factor remains equal to or greater than the threshold value.

15 In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling power supply to a plurality of electronic devices is disclosed. The method includes receiving a threshold value for a power factor. The threshold value is defined based on a user input. The method includes determining a current value of the power factor of the electrical distribution network while providing the power supply to
20 each of the plurality of electronic devices, comparing the current value with the threshold value of the power factor, and transmitting an instruction to operate the plurality of monitoring devices for controlling power supply to the plurality of electronic devices based on the comparison, such that a value of the power factor remains equal to or greater than the threshold value.
25
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a controller of a power management system is disclosed. The controller includes a receiving module adapted to receive a threshold value for a power factor. The threshold value is defined based on a user input. The controller includes a determining module
30 adapted to determine a current value of the power factor of an electrical distribution network while providing power supply to a plurality of electronic devices through

a plurality of monitoring devices. The controller further includes a comparing module in communication with the receiving module and the determining module and adapted to compare the current value with the threshold value of the power factor. The controller also includes a transmitting module in communication with
5 the comparing module and adapted to transmit an instruction to operate the plurality of monitoring devices for controlling power supply to the plurality of electronic devices based on the comparison, such that a value of the power factor remains equal to or greater than the threshold value.

10 Accordingly, it is desired to create a system and method for power management which may communicate with the smart plug and control the power supply to the devices causing reduction in the PF. Thus, the PF is maintained for the user’s premises creating a more efficient energy utilization with commercial benefits.
15
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention
20 and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
25
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
30

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting an environment of implementation of a power management system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the power management system,
5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a controller of the power management system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for controlling power supply to a plurality of electronic devices, according to an embodiment of the
10 present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates another flowchart depicting a method for controlling power supply to the plurality of electronic devices, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 6 illustrates another flowchart depicting a method for controlling
15 power supply to the plurality of electronic devices, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For
20 example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to
25 understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
30

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such
5 alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled
10 in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more
15 than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure
20 in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more
25 features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none
5 of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more element is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or
10 scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features
15 and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

20 Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the
25 same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a

single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively
5 be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.
10

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting an environment 100 of
15 implementation of a power management system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the power management system 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the power management system 200 is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the system 200. In an embodiment of the invention,
20 the power management system 200 is connected with a cloud 206, for example, for storing details relating to the power management. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the system 200 may be implemented between an electrical distribution network 102 and a plurality of electronic devices 104. The electrical distribution network 102 may be adapted to supply operating power to the electronic devices 104.
25
The electronic devices 104 may be residing in a residential premise or a commercial premise, and may include, but are not limited to, a desktop, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a chimney, and a television. The system 200 is adapted to ensure transmission of power supply to the electronic devices 104 based
30 on a predefined threshold power factor value. The predefined threshold power

factor value is selected to achieve efficient energy consumption and economical electricity billing to a user.

The system 200 may include, but is not limited to, a plurality of monitoring
5 devices 106 coupled to the electronic devices 104. In an embodiment, one monitoring device 106 is adapted to be coupled to each electronic device 104. The monitoring device 106 may be adapted to control a power supply to the respective electronic device 104. The monitoring device 106 may also be adapted to monitor electric/power consumption and usage details of the electronic device 104. In an
10 embodiment of the invention, monitoring devices are referred preferably as smart device having energy monitoring functionality, particularly power factor measurement functionality such as a smart plug unit.

15 The system 200 may also include a memory unit 108 adapted to store a threshold value for the power factor. The memory unit 108 may include any non- transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only
20 memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

The threshold value is defined based on a user input. The user input for defining the threshold value may be based on a desired billing for a predefined
25 duration. The system 200 may receive the user input through an application 202. The system 200 may include an application 202 adapted to be installed in a communication device 204 of the user. The communication device 204 may include, but is not limited to, a tablet PC, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile-device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a
30 server, a cloud server, a remote server, a communications device, a wireless- telephone, or any other machine controllable through the wireless-network and

capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

The application 202 may be adapted to share notifications relating to power
5 management and to receive input from the user. Further, the memory unit 108 may store not just the threshold value of the power factor but may be adapted to store any data relating to operation of the system 200. For example, in an embodiment, the memory unit 108 may be adapted to store an electric consumption associated with each electronic device 104 when the power supply is first provided to the
10 electronic devices 104.

In an embodiment, the system 200 may include a controller 110 in communication with the monitoring devices 106 and the memory unit 108. Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of the controller 110, according to an embodiment of
15 the present disclosure. The controller 110 may include, but is not limited to, a processor 302, memory 304, modules 306, and data 308. The modules 306 and the memory 304 may be coupled to the processor 302.

The processor 302 can be a single processing unit or several units, all of which
20 could include multiple computing units. The processor 302 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 302 is adapted to fetch and execute computer-readable
25 instructions and data stored in the memory 304.

The memory 304 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or
30 non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

The modules 306, amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The modules 306 may also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state
5 machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.

Further, the modules 306 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit can
10 comprise a computer, a processor, such as the processor 302, a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks or, the processing unit can be dedicated to performing the required functions. In another embodiment
15 of the present disclosure, the modules 306 may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities.

In an embodiment, the modules 306 may include a receiving module 310, a
20 determining module 312, a comparing module 314, and a transmitting module 316. The receiving module 310, the determining module 312, the comparing module 314, and the transmitting module 316 may be in communication with each other. The data 308 serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 306.
25
Referring to Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3, the receiving module 310 may be adapted to receive the threshold value for the power factor. Further, the determining module 312 may be adapted to determine a current value of the power factor of the electrical distribution network 102. The current value may be
30 determined while providing power supply to the electronic devices 104 through the monitoring devices 106. In an embodiment, the receiving module 310 and the

determining module 312 may be in communication with the comparing module 314.

The comparing module 314 may be adapted to compare the current value with
5 the threshold value of the power factor. The comparing module 314 may be in communication with the transmitting module 316.

The transmitting module 316 may be adapted to transmit an instruction to operate the monitoring devices 106 for controlling power supply to the electronic
10 devices 104 based on the comparison. The power supply is controlled such that the current value of the power factor remains equal to or greater than the threshold value.

In an embodiment, the receiving module 310 may be adapted to receive the
15 electric consumption associated with each electronic device 104. In an embodiment, the electric consumption is received from the memory unit 108. Further, the transmitting module 316 may be adapted to transmit an instruction to control the power supply to the electronic devices 104 based on the received details of the electric consumption and the comparison of the current value with the threshold
20 value.

In an embodiment, when the current value is less than the threshold value, the transmitting module 316 may be adapted to transmit a notification to the user indicative of identification of at least one electronic device 104. The identified
25 electronic device 104 is the electronic device 104, the deactivation of which updates the current value of the power factor to be equal to or greater than the threshold value. Based on a user response to the notification, the transmitting module 316 may transmit an instruction to control the power supply to the identified electronic device 104.
30

In an embodiment, the receiving module 310 may be adapted to receive a user defined rule relating to operation of the electronic devices 104. In such an embodiment, the transmitting module 316 may be adapted to transmit an instruction to the monitoring devices 106 for controlling the power supply to the electronic
5 devices 104 based on the user defined rule.

For example, the user may define a rule, say, through the application 202, that the air conditioner 104 is to remain operational after 8 PM in the month of May. Therefore, in case of the current value being less than the threshold value, the
10 transmitting module 316 may transmit the instruction for controlling the electronic devices 104, ensuring that the air conditioner 104 is kept operational.

Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method 400 of controlling the
15 power supply to the electronic devices 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 400 may be a computer-implemented method executed, for example, by the controller 110. For the sake of brevity, constructional and operational features of the system 200 that are already explained in the description of Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 are not explained in detail in the
20 description of Figure 4.

At a block 402, the method 400 includes receiving the threshold value for the power factor. At a block 404, the method 400 includes determining the current value of the power factor of the electrical distribution network 102 while providing the
25 power supply to the electronic devices 104. At a block 406, the method 400 includes comparing the current value with the threshold value of the power factor. At a block 408, the method 400 includes transmitting an instruction to operate the monitoring devices 106 for controlling power supply to the electronic devices 104 based on the comparison, such that the current value of the power factor remains equal to or
30 greater than the threshold value.

Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method 500 of controlling power supply to the electronic devices 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At a block 502, the electrical distribution network 102 is coupled to the electronic devices 104 for supplying power through the monitoring devices 106.
5
At a block 504, when the monitoring device 106 allows the passage of power supply to the electronic device 104, the electric consumption corresponding to each monitoring device 106 drawing power is stored in the memory unit 108.

10
At a block 506, the threshold value for the power factor is stored. The threshold value is provided manually by the user in the form of a value, or the user may select any one of a predefined strength mode such as Power saving mode, normal mode, no saving mode. The strength modes comprise of threshold values
15 established in advance in the system 200. In the strength modes, the process to achieve the threshold value is hard coded in the system 200. The user may alternatively provide a pricing information for the electricity consumption then, the threshold value corresponding to the pricing information is stored. The co-relation between the threshold value and pricing information helps in determining the
20 threshold value in an event when a desired billing is provided by the user. The threshold value of the power factor value is representative of the desired power factor value for the electrical distribution network 102 at the user’s premise either home or commercial space.

25 At a block 508, while one-by-one the monitoring devices 106 start supplying power to the connected electronic devices 104 in sequential process, the current value of the Power factor of the electrical distribution network 102 is generated. The current value of the power factor represents the present state of Power Factor of the electrical distribution network 102 with the loads connected or when the
30 monitoring devices 106 supply power to the respective electronic device 104. At a block 510, each of the monitoring device 106 supply power one-by-one to their

respective electronic device 104 and it may or may not affect the current value of the power factor.

At a block 512, the controller 110 is in communication with the monitoring
5 devices 106. The controller 110 compares the current value of the power factor with the threshold value of the power factor. As each of the monitoring devices 106 one- by-one supply power to the connected electronic devices 104, the controller 110 of the electrical distribution network 102 may be affected if any of the electronic device 104 has a high electric load thus consuming more power for operation. The
10 drawing of more power by the monitoring device 106 for operating the electronic device 104 reduces the current value of the power factor of the electrical distribution network 102. The reduced current value of the power factor leads to higher consumption of electrical energy and thus leading to inflated bills. The controller 110 determines the current value of the power factor of the electrical distribution
15 network 102 on a real time basis as the monitoring devices 106 deliver power supply to the associated electronic devices 104. The memory unit 108 communicates the threshold value of the power factor with the controller 110. Further, the controller 110 determines if the current value of the power factor is less than the threshold value of the power factor thus denoting that the power factor of the electrical
20 distribution network 102 has been affected due to power supply by one of the monitoring devices 106 to the electronic device 104. It is ascertained that the electronic device 104 requires more power to operate thus reducing the power factor of the electrical distribution network 102.

25 At a block 514, the controller 110 transmit instruction to operate the monitoring devices 106 controlling power supply to the electronic devices 104 such that the current value of the power factor remains equal or greater than the threshold value.

30 Thus, in the block 516, if the controller 110 determines current value of the power factor is less than the threshold value of the power factor, the controller 110

being in communication with the monitoring devices 106 identifies the monitoring device 106 drawing more power thus causing the reduction in the power factor of the electrical distribution network 102. The controller 110 identifies which monitoring device 106 is responsible for reduction in the current value of the power
5 factor. In the block 518, the controller 110 then sends a notification message to the user. The notification message comprises of the identified monitoring device 106 drawing more power supply for operating the associated electronic device 104. Thus, the user is able to recognize the electronic device 104 which may cause increase in electricity consumption and affecting the monthly consumption of
10 electricity or inflation in the bill amount.

Next in the block 520, the controller 110 requests user’s permission to control the power supply to one electronic device 104. The step to controlling the power supply to one electronic device 104 taken by the controller 110 to ensure the current
15 value of the power factor of the electrical distribution network 102 becomes equivalent to the threshold value for the power factor as stored in the memory unit
108. The step taken by the controller 110, to control the power supply to one electronic device 104 is based on User response to the notification.

20 Further in one of the embodiments, in the block 524, the controller 110initiate step to controlling the power supply to one electronic device 104 in form of predefined rules for implementation that can be executed by the controller 110 to perform one or more embodiment according to the invention.

25 In one of the embodiments in the block 522, the controller 110 initiate step to controlling the power supply to one electronic device 104 which may include receiving the data of electric consumption by the controller 110 from the memory unit 108. It is to be understood that the monitoring device 106 with highest electric consumption receives higher amount of power thus affecting the current value of
30 the power factor of the electrical distribution network 102. As the electronic device 104 requires more power to operate and there are other electronic devices operating

at the same time, it may reduce the current value of the power factor of the electrical distribution network 102.

The controller 110 may transmit signal to the monitoring device 106 with
5 highest electric consumption to stop power supply to the electronic device 104. Thus, the current value of the power factor of the electrical distribution network 102 can be increased to be equivalent to the threshold value for the power factor stored in the memory unit 108.

10 In one of the embodiments, at a block 526, the controller 110 initiate step to control the power supply to one electronic device 104 which may include the controller 110 transmitting signal to the monitoring device 106 for power supply to be connected or disconnected based on the pricing information. As the user may define the pricing information, or the controller 110 has set of pre-defined
15 instructions to calculate an anticipated cost associated with electricity consumption. The threshold value corresponding to the pricing information is already stored in the memory unit 108 and the controller 110 retrieves the threshold value to be achieved corresponding to the pricing information via the network for calculating an anticipated cost associated with electricity consumption. The pricing information
20 may include currency value for per unit consumption of the electric power. Thus, the controller 110 determines the anticipated billing cost with the pricing information and accordingly transmit signal to the monitoring device 106 for power supply connect or disconnect so that the user defined limitation on the billing cost can be maintained.
25
Figure 6 illustrates another flowchart depicting a method 600 for controlling power supply to the plurality of electronic devices 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the block 604, when the power is supplied by the monitoring devices 106 for the first time, an electric consumption is generated for
30 each electronic device 104.

In the block 606, the user input a threshold value of the power factor. Then in the block 608, a current value of the power factor of the electrical distribution network 102 is determined. The current value of the power factor is determined when one-by-one each of the monitoring devices 106 supply power to the associated
5 electronic devices 104. Further in the block 616, it is determined if the current value of the power factor is less than the threshold value of the power factor.

In the block 618, upon finding that the current value of the power factor is less than the threshold value of the power factor a notification is sent to the user
10 notifying the reduction in power factor value. The notification also includes identification of the monitoring device 106 responsible for causing the reduction in the current value of the power factor.

In the block 619, through user interface the user provides permission to
15 implement pre-defined rules for maintaining the current value of the power factor equal to the threshold value of the power factor.

Then in the block 620, the instructions are transmitted to control the power supply to one electronic device 104 based on the user response to the notification.
20 In the present invention the current value of the power factor is again determined post implementing the user response.

Alternatively, in the block 624, instructions are transmitted to control power supply to the electronic devices 104 based on a user defined rule relating to
25 operation of electronic devices 104. In the present invention the current value of the power factor is again determined post implementing user defined rule.

In an example of the present invention, the user provides an input for the threshold value for the power factor as equivalent to 0.8. Therefore, the threshold
30 value is set as 0.8. The electrical distribution network 102 supplies power to the connected electronic devices 104, such as a water heater 104-1, a refrigerator 104-

2, and an air conditioner 104-3. Now, as the air conditioner being the third electronic device 104-3 receives power supply, the value of the power factor of the electrical distribution network 102 changes to 0.7. Thus, the system 200 identifies that the current value has been reduced from the threshold value. The controller 110
5 notifies the user by identifying that the air conditioner electronic device 104-3 has caused the reduction in value of the power factor. The system 200 prompts the user seeking permission to stop the power supply to the air conditioner 104-3. Based on approval received from the user, the system 200 may stop the power supply to the air-conditioner 104-3, ensuring that the power factor goes equal to or above 0.8.
10
The present invention provides technical advantage by determining the real- time power factor value of the electrical distribution network 102 while the electric power is supplied to the electronic devices 104 connected to the monitoring devices
106. The monitoring devices 106 communicate with the controller 110 for
15 controlling their operation. The user can provide instructions to the power controller 110 transmitting signal to the monitoring devices 106 for controlling the power supply to the associated electronic device 104. Thus, the user has an option of monitoring the reactive energy consumption of the electrical distribution network
102. Further, the notification system keeps the user apprised with the consumption
20 of power on real-time. The user has the option for scheduling the monitoring devices to supply power to the electronic devices 104. Even, without the user instruction, the system 200 is capable to implement instructions to maintain power management to the electronic devices 104 to ensure the power factor value of the electrical distribution network 102 is equivalent to threshold value.
25
Thus, the system 200 of the present invention avoids reactive power wastage. The system 200 directly affects the expense incurred on the electricity billing as the system maintains the power factor value to an optimum level by controlling power supply of the monitoring devices 106.
30
The present invention provides following advantages:

1) The present invention determines the real-time power factor value of the electrical distribution network while the electric power is supplied to the electronic devices.

2) The present invention enables a user to execute instructions for maintaining
5 control of power supply in smart plugs and the associated electronic devices. Thus, helping the user to avoid extra rates/charges incurred on the electricity bill.
3) The present invention provides the user to monitor the real time power factor using an application installed on a user device.
4) The present invention enables the user to define rules for operating the
10 electronic device corresponding to the value of power factor.

5) The present invention provides the user with a more efficient energy utilization techniques with commercial benefits.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter,
15 any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a
20 single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A power management system (200) comprising:
a plurality of monitoring devices (106) adapted to control a power supply to a plurality of electronic devices (106) coupled to an electrical
5 distribution network (102);

a memory unit (108) adapted to store a threshold value for a power factor, wherein the threshold value is defined based on a user input; and
a controller (110) in communication with the plurality of monitoring devices (106) and the memory unit (108), the controller (110) adapted to:

10 determine a current value of the power factor of the electrical distribution network (102) while providing the power supply to each of the plurality of electronic devices (104);
compare the current value with the threshold value of the power factor; and
15 transmit an instruction to operate the plurality of monitoring devices (106) for controlling power supply to the plurality of electronic devices (104) based on the comparison, such that a value of the power factor remains equal to or greater than the threshold value.

20 2. The power management system (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising the controller (110) to:
transmit a notification to a user indicative of identification of at least one electronic device (104), deactivation of which updates the value of the power factor to be equal to or greater than the threshold value, wherein the
25 notification is transmitted when the current value is less than the threshold value; and
transmit an instruction to control the power supply to the at least one electronic device (104), based on a user response to the notification.

3. The power management system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory unit (108) is adapted to store an electric consumption associated with each electronic device (104) when the power supply is first provided to the
5 plurality of electronic devices (104).

4. The power management system (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the controller (110) is adapted to:
receive the electric consumption associated with each electronic device
10 (104); and
transmit an instruction to control the power supply to the plurality of electronic devices (104) based on the received details of the electric consumption and the comparison of the current value with the threshold value.
15
5. The power management system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threshold value for the power factor defined by the user input comprising any one of:
manual input value provided by the user;
20 the user selecting at least one strength mode, wherein the strength mode is representative of predefined set of instruction to achieve the threshold value;
a pricing information corresponding to the threshold value.
6. The power management system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
25 controller (110) is adapted to transmit an instruction to the plurality of monitoring devices (106) for controlling the power supply to the plurality of electronic devices (104), based on a user defined rule relating to operation of the plurality of the electronic devices (104).

7. The power management system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user input for defining the threshold value of the power factor is desired billing for a predefined duration.

5 8. A method (400) of controlling power supply to a plurality of electronic devices, the method comprising:
receiving (506) a threshold value for a power factor, wherein the threshold value is defined based on a user input;
determining (508) a current value of the power factor of the electrical
10 distribution network (102) while providing the power supply to each of the plurality of electronic devices (104);
comparing (512) the current value with the threshold value of the power factor; and
transmitting (520) an instruction to operate the plurality of monitoring
15 devices (106) for controlling power supply to the plurality of electronic devices (104) based on the comparison, such that a value of the power factor remains equal to or greater than the threshold value.
9. The method (400) as claimed in claim 8, comprising

transmitting a notification to a user indicative of identification of at least
20 one electronic device (104), deactivation of which updates the value of the power factor to be equal to or greater than the threshold value, wherein the notification is transmitted when the current value is less than the threshold value; and
transmitting an instruction to control the power supply to the at least
25 one electronic device (104), based on a user response to the notification.

10. The method (400) as claimed in claim 8, comprising storing an electric consumption associated with each electronic device (104) when the power supply is first provided to the plurality of electronic devices (104).

5 11. The method (400) as claimed in claim 10, comprising:
receiving, by the controller (110), the electric consumption associated with each electronic device (104); and
transmitting an instruction to control the power supply to the plurality of electronic devices (104) based on the received details of the electric
10 consumption and the comparison of the current value with the threshold value.

12. The method (400) as claimed in claim 8, comprising transmitting an instruction to the plurality of monitoring devices (106) for controlling the
15 power supply to the plurality of electronic devices (104) based on a user defined rule relating to operation of the plurality of the electronic devices (104).

13. A controller (110) of a power management system (200), the controller (110)
20 comprising:
a receiving module (310) adapted to receive a threshold value for a power factor, wherein the threshold value is defined based on a user input;
a determining module (312) adapted to determine a current value of the power factor of an electrical distribution network (102) while providing
25 power supply to a plurality of electronic devices (104) through a plurality of monitoring devices (106);
a comparing module (314) in communication with the receiving module
(310) and the determining module (312), and adapted to compare the current value with the threshold value of the power factor; and

a transmitting module (316) in communication with the comparing module (314) and adapted to transmit an instruction to operate the plurality of monitoring devices (106) for controlling power supply to the plurality of electronic devices (104) based on the comparison, such that a value of the
5 power factor remains equal to or greater than the threshold value.

14. The controller (110) as claimed in claim 13, comprising the transmitting module (316) adapted to:

transmit a notification to a user indicative of identification of at least one electronic device (104), deactivation of which updates the value of the
10 power factor to be equal to or greater than the threshold value, wherein the notification is transmitted when the current value is less than the threshold value; and
transmit an instruction to control the power supply to the at least one electronic device (104), based on a user response to the notification.

15

15. The controller (110) as claimed in claim 13, comprising:

the receiving module (310) adapted to receive an electric consumption associated with each electronic device (104) when the power supply is first provided to the plurality of electronic devices (104); and

20 the transmitting module (316) adapted to transmit an instruction to control the power supply to the plurality of electronic devices (104) based on the received details of the electric consumption and the comparison of the current value with the threshold value.

25 16. The controller (110) as claimed in claim 13, comprising:

the receiving module (310) to receive a user defined rule relating to operation of the plurality of electronic devices (104); and

the transmitting module (316) to transmit an instruction to the plurality of monitoring devices (106) for controlling the power supply to the plurality of electronic devices (104) based on the user defined rule.