Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of electrical systems and monitoring technology, particularly to a server-based system and a method of monitoring and protecting Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels.
Description of Related Art
[002] Nowadays, people spend most of the day outside making efforts to live and they want a peaceful and effortless time after returning home. However, managing home appliances and ensuring their optimal operation can be challenging, especially for individuals with busy schedules. Power incongruities refer to deviations or abnormalities in the voltage levels of an electrical system, including under voltage, over-voltage, transient spikes, and sags. These incongruities can disrupt the normal functioning of appliances, leading to inefficiencies, malfunctions, and potential damage.
[003] Monitoring of Alternating Current (AC) voltage levels is necessary to ensure the stable and safe operation of electrical appliances. Fluctuations in voltage can not only affect the performance and lifespan of appliances but also pose safety hazards to individuals and property. Therefore, continuous monitoring and timely intervention are essential to mitigate risks and maintain optimal conditions.
[004] Existing systems for monitoring AC voltage levels often fall short in providing real-time data, predictive analytics, and remote monitoring capabilities. Traditional methods cannot detect subtle fluctuations or provide proactive measures to address voltage irregularities. This limitation can result in increased maintenance costs, operational disruptions, and compromised safety.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced server-based system for monitoring and protecting alternate current voltage levels that can address the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a server-based system for monitoring and protecting alternate current voltage levels. The system may comprise a smart sensor deployed across an electrical network for real-time monitoring of the interpreted sensor data, and a processing unit connected to the smart sensor, characterized in that the processing unit is configured to interpret sensor data received from the smart sensor, compare the interpreted sensor data with pre-configured voltage thresholds, detect incongruities selected from an under voltage, over voltage condition, a transient spike, a sag in the Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels, perform corrective operations by actuating a relay based on the detected incongruities, and transmit alerts, by using an internet protocol, to a cloud server based on the detected incongruities, and the performed corrective operations.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for monitoring and protecting alternate current voltage levels. The method comprising steps of interpreting sensor data received from a smart sensor; comparing, by using a processing unit, the interpreted sensor data with pre-configured voltage thresholds; detecting incongruities selected from an under voltage, over voltage condition, a transient spike, a sag in the Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels; performing corrective operations by actuating a relay based on the detected incongruities; and transmitting alerts, by using an internet protocol, to a cloud server based on the detected incongruities, and the performed corrective operations.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a server-based system and a method that enables real-time monitoring and protection of AC voltage levels.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a server-based system that may allow for seamless integration with existing electrical networks, enhancing efficiency and reliability.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a server-based system that may allow for remote monitoring and control, thereby reducing maintenance costs and improving operational safety. These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0011] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a server-based system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates a scaled diagram of the server-based system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates a working model of the server-based system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for monitoring and protecting Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels using the server-based system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a server-based system 100 (hereinafter referred as to the system 100) for monitoring and protecting alternate current voltage levels. The system 100 may be capable of remote monitoring of an electrical network and ensuring optimal voltage levels for efficient operation. The system 100 may monitor incongruities in the electrical network. The system 100 may utilize advanced sensing technologies and cloud-based data processing for real-time analysis and management of voltage levels. In an embodiment of the present invention, the incongruities may be, but not limited to, an under voltage, over voltage condition, a transient spike, or a sag in the Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels electrical network, or a combination thereof.
[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise a smart sensor 102, an Alternating Current (AC) power supply 104, a processing unit 106, a relay 108, a load 110, a Direct Current (DC) power supply 112, a cloud server 114, and a user device 116.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the smart sensor 102 may be connected with the electrical network (not shown). The smart sensor 102 may feature advanced sensing capabilities to accurately measure voltage levels, current flow, or other relevant parameters within the electrical network.
[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, the smart sensor 102 may be designed to be installed with an existing electrical switching/wiring system of homes and similar environments. The smart sensor 102 may be easily installable with minimal modifications to the existing electrical infrastructure, providing a convenient solution for retrofitting smart monitoring capabilities. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the smart sensor 102 may function as a voltage level sensor for continuously monitoring the AC voltage levels to ensure optimal operation and safety within the electrical network. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the smart sensor 102 may utilize voltage measuring circuits for real-time monitoring of the AC voltage levels.
[0025] In another embodiment of the present invention, the smart sensor 102 may serve as a flow rate sensor, that may be capable of measuring a rate of flow of electrical current within the electrical network. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the smart sensor 102, including those based on known technologies, related art, and/or later developed advancements in sensor technology.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the smart sensor 102 may be strategically installed in proximity to the Alternating Current (AC) power supply 104 to enable accurate and real-time monitoring of voltage levels directly at the source of power distribution. This placement may ensure that the smart sensor 102 may capture voltage fluctuations or anomalies at their origin allowing for swift detection and response to potential issues within the electrical network. Furthermore, an installation of the smart sensor 102 in close proximity to the AC power supply 104 may enhance an efficiency of monitoring operations, as it minimizes potential interference or signal degradation that could occur over extended distances within the electrical network. By positioning the smart sensor 102 in such a manner, the system 100 may achieve a greater precision and reliability in voltage monitoring for facilitating an optimal performance and safety of the electrical network.
[0027] The processing unit 106 may include suitable logic, instructions, circuitry, interfaces, and/or codes for executing the various operations. The processing unit 106 may be configured to perform operations associated with the system 100 by communicating commands and/or instructions. In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 106 may employ machine learning algorithms to analyze and interpret sensor data detected by the smart sensor 102.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 106 may be configured to execute programming instructions associated with the system 100 that may be stored in form of programming modules. The modules may be but not limited to, a detection module, a comparison module, an alert module, and an actuation module.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection module may be responsible for interpreting sensor data received from the smart sensor 102. The comparison module may compare the interpreted sensor data with pre-configured voltage thresholds to determine if the detected incongruities exceed acceptable limits. The comparison module may analyze the sensor data to identify any deviations or anomalies in the AC voltage levels. The alert module may be activated upon the detection of incongruities, prompting the system to generate alerts or notifications. These alerts may be transmitted to the cloud server 114 via an internet protocol for further analysis and action. The actuation module may be responsible for executing or performing corrective operations, such as adjusting the relay 108, based on the detected incongruities to restore optimal voltage levels within the electrical network. The relay 108 may be connected to the processing unit 106, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the relay 108 may further be connected to the load 110 to establish a direct pathway for the processing unit 106 to regulate a flow of electricity to the load 110. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the relay 108 may be a solid-state relay capable of rapid switching based on commands from the processing unit 106. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the relay 108, including those based on known technologies, related art, and/or later developed advancements in sensor technology.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the load 110 may encompass various electrical devices, including but not limited to a fan, a bulb, a light fixture, a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units, industrial machinery, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the load 110, including those based on known technologies, related art, and/or later developed in technology.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, a Direct Current (DC) power supply 112 may be connected to the relay 108 and the load 110, ensuring a stable and reliable power source for both components. This configuration may facilitate seamless operation of the relay 108, enabling precise control over the flow of electricity to the load 110 as required. Furthermore, linking the DC power supply 112 to the load 110 may ensure consistent power delivery to connected electrical devices or appliances, even in the face of AC power fluctuations. Overall, this design approach may enhance the system's reliability and resilience, allowing for uninterrupted monitoring and protection of AC voltage levels within the electrical network.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may utilize the internet protocol to transmit alerts to the cloud server 114. In this configuration, the cloud server 114 may serve as a central repository for receiving and processing the alerts generated by the system 100, facilitating remote monitoring and management capabilities. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cloud server 114 may store historical voltage data and corrective action logs for analysis and reporting.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cloud server 114 may be implemented on various computing devices, including but not limited to a laptop, a desktop, or other server infrastructure. This flexibility allows for seamless integration of the cloud server 114 into existing IT environments, ensuring compatibility and scalability across different deployment scenarios. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cloud server 114 may specifically function as a Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT) broker for providing efficient and reliable messaging capabilities for transmitting alerts and other data between the system 100 and remote monitoring applications. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the cloud server 114, including those based on known technologies, related art, and/or later developed in technology.
[0035] FIG. 2A illustrates a scaled diagram of the server-based system 100, according to the embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the server-based system 100 may comprise a first server-based system 200a, a second server-based system 200b, and a nth server-based system 200n. The first server-based system 200a, the second server-based system 200b, and the nth server-based system 200n may be networked for monitoring and protecting the alternate current voltage levels in the electrical network.
[0036] The first server-based system 200a, the second server-based system 200b, and the nth server-based system 200n may monitor the electrical network for the incongruities and may communicate the detected incongruities to the cloud server 114 via the Internet protocol, according to the embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 2B illustrates a working model of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be configured for residential applications to provide homeowners with a solution for monitoring and protecting the AC voltage levels within their electrical systems. In this embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may include an integration of the system 100 with existing home electrical wiring to allow for straightforward installation and seamless integration into the household infrastructure. Furthermore, the system 100 may be designed with user-friendly interfaces (not shown) to allow homeowners to easily access and monitor voltage data through mobile applications or web portals. In an embodiment of the present invention, the alerts and notifications may be sent to users via an Electronic mail (e-mail) or a message in case of any detected anomalies in the AC voltage levels to ensure timely response and intervention when necessary. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may allow the users to override the performed corrective operations using the user-friendly interfaces through the user device 116.
[0038] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for monitoring and protecting Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels using the server-based system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] At step 302, the system 100 may interpret the sensor data received from the smart sensor 102.
[0040] At step 304, the system 100 may compare, by using the processing unit 106, the interpreted sensor data with the pre-configured voltage thresholds.
[0041] At step 306, the system 100 may detect the incongruities selected from the under voltage, the over voltage condition, the transient spike, or the sag in the Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels. Upon detecting the incongruities, the system 100 may proceed to step 308. Otherwise, the system 100 may return to the step 302.
[0042] At step 308, the system 100 may perform the corrective operations by actuating the relay 108 based on the detected incongruities.
[0043] At step 310, the system 100 may transmit the alerts, by using the internet protocol, to the cloud server 114 based on the detected incongruities and the performed corrective operations.
[0044] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0045] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A server-based system (100) for monitoring and protecting Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels, the system (100) comprises:
a smart sensor (102) deployed across an electrical network detecting the Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels;
a processing unit (106) connected to the smart sensor, characterized in that the processing unit (106) is configured to:
interpret sensor data comprising the detected Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels received from the smart sensor;
compare the interpreted sensor data with pre-configured voltage thresholds;
detect incongruities selected from an under voltage, over voltage condition, a transient spike, a sag in the Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels;
perform corrective operations by actuating a relay (108) based on the detected incongruities; and
transmit alerts, by using an internet protocol, to a cloud server (114) based on the detected incongruities, and the performed corrective operations.
2. A system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the smart sensor (102) utilizes voltage measuring circuits for real-time monitoring of the AC voltage levels.
3. A system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (106) employs machine learning algorithms to analyze and interpret sensor data.
4. A system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the relay (108) is a solid-state relay capable of rapid switching based on commands from the processing unit (106).
5. A system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cloud server (114) stores historical voltage data and corrective action logs for analysis and reporting.
6. A system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internet protocol used for transmitting alerts to the cloud server (114) is MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport).
7. A method (300) for monitoring and protecting Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels using a server-based system (100), the method (100) comprising:
interpreting sensor data received from a smart sensor (102);
comparing, by using a processing unit (106), the interpreted sensor data with pre-configured voltage thresholds;
detecting incongruities selected from an under voltage, over voltage condition, a transient spike, or a sag in the Alternate Current (AC) voltage levels;
performing corrective operations by actuating a relay (108) based on the detected incongruities; and
transmitting alerts, by using an internet protocol, to a cloud server (114) based on the detected incongruities, and the performed corrective operations.
Date: May 28, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)