Related Application

[0001 ] The present application is related to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016904351 titled "Power management device" and filed 26 October 2016 in the names of Targus Australia Pty Ltd and Targus I nternational LLC, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a power management device. I n particular, the present disclosure relates to a device adapted to monitor and control power consumption from one or more power outlets.

Background

[0003] A modern office space typically has multiple general purpose power outlets (GPOs) available to supply mains power to all manner of office equipment. Such office equipment may include, for example, computers, monitors, laptop docking stations, printers, scanners, modems, routers, charging stations, and the like. Each desk, office, cubicle, or workstation in an office space is typically associated with a set of one or more GPOs to power a set of devices associated with an individual worker.

[0004] A fairly recent trend is the concept of hot-desking, whereby workers are not assigned individual desks or workstations on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. I nstead, desks or workstations are allocated on a daily basis, through first-come, first- served or through a booking system.

[0005] Such hot-desking implementations can help a business to save on real estate costs and power costs, particularly for those businesses in which it is common for some percentage of the staff to be out of the office on a regular basis. I n such circumstances, the business does not need to provide real estate and other facilities based on the maximum number of staff, but rather can provide real estate and other facilities based on the maximum number of staff expected to attend a worksite on any given day.

[0006] The amount of electronic office equipment has increased significantly over the years, from a simple desktop computer with a single monitor to a desktop computer with multiple monitors, laptop computers, tablet computing devices, smartphones, and the like. Each of these electronic devices typically requires access to mains power supply for some or all of the working day. As the number of electronic devices has increased, so too have the power costs for businesses. However, the power loads, and resultant costs, are typically not distributed evenly across all workers and worksites.

[0007] A correlation may be drawn between the use of electricity (i.e. , power consumption) and the performing of work. That is, when power is being consumed, it may be assumed that some form of work is being undertaken through the various devices that are consuming the power. However, it is not presently possible to know how, when, and where power is being consumed across an office space.

[0008] I t would be useful for an organisation to be able to monitor power loads of one or more GPOs. Further, it would be useful for an organisation to be able to monitor power loads of one or more areas of a worksite. Once an organisation is able to monitor the use or power across various GPOs or worksite areas, the organisation can take appropriate action, if any, such as to spread the power load, introduce more GPOs, reduce office space, or the like.

[0009] Thus, a need exists to provide an improved power management device adapted to monitor and/or manage power consumption across one or more GPOs.

Summary

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a power management device.

[001 1 ] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a power management device comprising :

an input connector adapted for coupling to a mains power supply;

an output connector adapted for coupling to an external electrical device;

a relay positioned between said input connector and said output connector, said relay having: (i) an off position in which there is no electrical connection between said input connector and said output connector, and (ii) an on position in which there is an electrical connection between said input connector and output connector;

a microcontroller for controlling operation of said relay;

a power meter for monitoring power consumed through said output connector; and a transmitter for transmitting power information derived from said power meter. [0012] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a power management system comprising :

a central computing device; and

at least one power management device, said power management device including: an input connector adapted for coupling to a mains power supply; an output connector adapted for coupling to an external electrical device; a relay positioned between said input connector and said output connector, said relay having: (i) an off position in which there is no electrical connection between said input connector and said output connector, and (ii) an on position in which there is an electrical connection between said input connector and output connector;

a microcontroller for controlling operation of said relay;

a power meter for monitoring power consumed through said output connector; and

a transmitter for transmitting power information derived from said power meter.

wherein each power management device transmits to said central computing device, via said respective transmitter, power consumption energy data determined by said respective power meter; and

further wherein said central computing device stores said power consumption energy data in a storage medium .

[0013] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a power management device comprising :

an input connector adapted for coupling to a mains power supply;

a plurality of output connectors adapted for coupling to a corresponding plurality of external electrical devices;

a set of relays positioned between said input connector and said plurality of output connectors, each said relay having: (i) an off position in which there is no electrical connection between said input connector and an associated set of output connectors, and (ii) an on position in which there is an electrical connection between said input connector and said associated set of output connectors;

a microcontroller for controlling operation of each of said relays;

a power meter for monitoring power consumed through said output connectors; and a transmitter for transmitting power information derived from said power meter. [0014] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a power management device comprising :

an input connector adapted for coupling to a mains power supply;

a plurality of output connectors adapted for coupling to a corresponding plurality of external electrical devices;

a corresponding plurality of relays, each relay being positioned between said input connector and one of said plurality of output connectors, each said relay having : (i) an off position in which there is no electrical connection between said input connector and an associated output connector, and (ii) an on position in which there is an electrical connection between said input connector and said associated output connector;

a microcontroller for controlling operation of each of said relays;

a corresponding plurality of power meters, each power associated with an output connector and adapted to monitor power consumed through said associated output connectors; and

a transmitter for transmitting power information derived from said plurality of power meters.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a power monitoring system , said system comprising :

a central control unit;

a central data server for storing power consumption information ; and

a set of end devices, each end device including a power management device that includes:

an input connector adapted for coupling to a mains power supply; an output connector adapted for coupling to an external electrical device; a relay positioned between said input connector and said output connector, said relay having: (i) an off position in which there is no electrical connection between said input connector and said output connector, and (ii) an on position in which there is an electrical connection between said input connector and output connector;

a microcontroller for controlling operation of said relay;

a power meter for monitoring power consumed through said output connector; and

a transmitter for transmitting power information derived from said power meter; wherein each end device is adapted to use its transmitter to transmit power consumption information derived from said power meter to said central data server via sensor infrastructure, said sensor infrastructure including a set of routers and a set of co-ordinators and each end device communicating with one of said routers, each of said routers communicating with one of said co-ordinators, and at least one of said coordinators adapted to communicate with said central data server; and

further wherein said central control unit is adapted to control each of said end devices by sending control commands via said sensor infrastructure to the

microcontrollers of said respective end devices.

[0016] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for implementing any one of the aforementioned methods.

[0017] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program product including a computer readable medium having recorded thereon a computer program for implementing any one of the methods described above.

[0018] Other aspects of the present disclosure are also provided. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of specific example(s) with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device;

[0021 ] Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device;

[0022] Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device with a network controller;

[0023] Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device adapted to be used with existing power outlets;

[0024] Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device adapted to be used with existing power outlets;

[0025] Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram representation of a network of power management devices; [0026] Fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram representation of a system for management a set of power management devices;

[0027] Fig. 8 illustrates a user interface for monitoring and controlling the system of Fig. 7;

[0028] Fig. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for self-diagnostics and operation of an end device embodying a power management device;

[0029] Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device embodied in a power board ;

[0030] Fig. 1 1 is a schematic block diagram representation of a standalone power management device adapted to be coupled to existing electronic devices;

[0031 ] Fig. 12 is a schematic block diagram representation of a system that includes a general purpose computer on which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be practised;

[0032] Fig. 13 is a schematic block diagram representation of a system that includes a general smartphone on which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be practised ;

[0033] Fig. 14 illustrates a floorplan for an office building, showing sensor locations;

[0034] Fig. 15 illustrates the floorplan of Fig. 14, overlaid with a reference grid;

[0035] Fig. 16 is a graph showing energy consumption of the sensor locations of the floorplan of Fig. 14;

[0036] Fig. 17 is an alternative graph showing energy consumption of the sensor locations of the floorplan of Fig. 14; and

[0037] Fig. 18 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device embodied in a power board, with a separate power meter for each power outlet. Detailed Description

[0038] Method steps or features in the accompanying drawings that have the same reference numerals are to be considered to have the same function(s) or operation(s) , unless the contrary intention is expressed or implied.

[0039] The present disclosure provides a method and system for measuring energy consumption relating to one or more general purpose power outlets (GPOs) , based on readings derived from a power management device. The measured energy consumption may then be utilised to evaluate workspace utilisation based on the location of one or more of the GPOs. The power management device receives a mains power supply, which is coupled by the device to a set of one or more power outlets. The power management device includes a power meter and a microcontroller for controlling at least one relay, wherein the relay is coupled to at least one of the power outlets.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device 300 with a network controller 316. The power management device includes a housing 310 that includes the network controller 316, which is adapted to be coupled to an external communications network. The communications network may be implemented using one or more wired or wireless connections, including a Local Area Network (LAN) , Wide Area Network (WAN) , a virtual private network (VPN) , cellular telephony network, the I nternet, or any combination thereof

[0041 ] The network controller 316 is coupled to a microcontroller 314, which receives power information from a power meter 312. The power meter 312 is coupled to an input mains power supply 305 and a relay switch 318. The relay switch 318 is operated by the microcontroller 314, in response to commands received over the network via the network controller 318. The relay switch 318 is coupled to an external power outlet 330, represented in the drawing as alternating current (AC) out.

[0042] Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device 100 adapted to communicate wirelessly with a remote server (not shown) . The power management device 100 includes a wireless transceiver 1 10, which in this example is configured to operate using the ZigBee (I EEE 802.15.4) wireless communications protocol. The wireless transceiver 1 10 is coupled to an antenna 105, which may be located internally or externally with respect to a housing of the device 100. [0043] The wireless transceiver 1 10 is also coupled to a microcontroller 120, which is programmed to control operation of a general purpose input/output (I/O) module 130. The microcontroller 120 may be implemented, for example, using the Maxim I ntegrated MAX71020 Single-Chip Electricity Meter AFE, Texas I nstruments MSP430F6736, or Analog Devices ADE71 16 Single Phase Energy Measurement I C. I t will be appreciated that other microcontrollers may equally be utilised to control operation of the I/O module 130.

[0044] I n the example of Fig. 1 , the I/O module 130 controls a set of relay switches 150, 160, 170, 180, each of which is coupled to a power outlet (not shown) . The I/O module 130 is coupled to a power meter 140 that is adapted to monitor power consumed by the power outlets coupled to the relay switches 150, 160, 170, 180.

[0045] I n operation, the microcontroller 120 is able to be controlled via control signals transmitted from the remote server to the device 100 via the antenna 105 and wireless transceiver 1 10, so as to instruct the microcontroller 120 to control the I/O module 130 to turn on or off one or more of the relay switches 150, 160, 170, 180. Further, readings from the power meter 140 are transmitted to the I/O module 130, which in turn forwards the meter readings to the microcontroller 120 for transmission via the wireless transceiver 1 10 and the antenna 105 to the remote server.

[0046] I n one arrangement, the microcontroller 120 and wireless transceiver 1 10 are implemented as an integrated unit. For example, the microcontroller 120 and wireless transceiver 1 10 may be implemented using a single system on a chip (SoC) device, such as the ATMEL SAM21 - Cortex-M0+ SOC with Zigbee wireless transceiver or the

Texas I nstruments CC2538 - Cortex-M3 SOC with Zigbee wireless transceiver.

[0047] I n one scenario, the remote server receives power meter readings over a period of time. When the power meter readings drop below a predefined threshold, it may be assumed that no electrical devices connected to the relay switches 150, 160, 170, 180 are in use and thus the remote server can instruct the microcontroller 120 to shut down one or more of the power outlets connected to the relay switches 150, 160, 170, 180 to reduce standby loads or "vampire" loads.

[0048] Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device 200 adapted to communicate wirelessly with a remote server (not shown) . The power management device 200 includes a wired transmitter 210, which in this example is an Ethernet connection adapted to be coupled to a communications network. [0049] The transmitter 210 is also coupled to a microcontroller 220, which is

programmed to control operation of a general purpose I/O module 230. The I/O module 230 controls a set of relay switches 250, 260, 270, 280, each of which is coupled to a power outlet (not shown) . The I/O module 230 is coupled to a power meter 240 that is adapted to monitor power consumed by the power outlets coupled to each of the relay switches 250, 260, 270, 280.

[0050] I n one arrangement, the microcontroller 220 and transmitter 210 are

implemented as an integrated unit. For example, the microcontroller 220 and transmitter 210 may be implemented using a single system on a chip (SoC) device, such as the Texas I nstruments Stellaris Cortex-M3 SOC with 10/ 100 Ethernet MAC with PHY or the ATMEL SAM7X ARM7 SOC with 10/ 100 Ethernet MAC with PHY.

[0051 ] I n operation, the microcontroller 220 is able to be controlled via control signals transmitted from the remote server to the device 200 via the transmitter 210, so as to instruct the microcontroller 220 to control the I/O module 230 to turn on or off one or more of the relay switches 250, 260, 270, 280. Further, readings from the power meter 240 are transmitted to the I/O module 230, which in turn forwards the meter readings to the microcontroller 220 for transmission via the Ethernet transmitter 210 to the remote server.

[0052] I n one scenario, the remote server receives power meter readings over a period of time. When the power meter readings drop below a predefined threshold, it may be assumed that no electrical devices connected to the relay switches 250, 260, 270, 280 are in use and thus the remote server can instruct the microcontroller 220 to shut down one or more of the power outlets connected to the relay switches 250, 260, 270, 280 to reduce standby loads or "vampire" loads.

[0053] Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device embodied in a four outlet power board 1000. The power board 1000, also known as a power strip, receives an AC mains supply 1005, which is fed to a power meter 1060. A top power rail 1090 feeds each of a first power outlet 1010, a second power outlet 1020, a third power outlet 1030, and a fourth power outlet 1040, all of which are connected in parallel.

[0054] The output of the first power outlet 1010 is connected to a first relay 1015, which is coupled to a bottom power rail 1095 that returns to the power meter 1060 in order to complete the circuit. The output of the second power outlet 1020 is connected to a second relay 1025. The output of the third power outlet 1030 is connected to a third relay 1035. The output of the fourth power outlet 1040 is connected to a fourth relay 1045. The outputs of the second, third, and fourth relays 1025, 1035, and 1045 are all coupled to the bottom power rail 1095.

[0055] The power board 1000 further includes a transmitter 1055, which is adapted to couple the power board 1000 to an external communications network. The transmitter 1055 may be implemented using wired or wireless technologies, including, but not limited to, Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB) , Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, SigFox, LoRa,

6L0WPAN, and the like.

[0056] The power board 1000 also includes a microcontroller 1050, which is coupled to the transmitter 1055. Where the transmitter 1055 is implemented as a transceiver, an external user can send control signals via the external communications network to the transmitter 1055 and then to the microcontroller 1050. The microcontroller 1050 is also coupled to each of the relays 1015, 1025, 1035, and 1045, via respective control lines 1065, 1070, 1075, which enable the microcontroller 1050 to control the application of power to each of the respective power outlets 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040.

[0057] I n an alternative embodiment (not shown) , a single relay controls the application of power to each of the set of relays 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040. I n such an arrangement, all of the power outlets 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 are controlled together, such that the power outlets 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 are all turned on or all turned off . I n the arrangement shown in Fig. 10, the microcontroller 1050 is able to control power to the power outlets 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 independently.

[0058] The power meter 1060 records the aggregate power consumption across all of the power outlets 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 and transmits recorded power information to the microcontroller 1050. The microcontroller 1050 sends some or all of the recorded power information to the transmitter 1055 for transmission to a remote server.

[0059] Fig. 1 1 is a schematic block diagram representation of a standalone power management device 1 100 adapted to be coupled to existing electronic devices. I n the example of Fig. 1 1 , the power management device 1 100 is coupled to a power board 1 170. However, it will be appreciated that the standalone management device 1 100 may be coupled to any electronic device, including, but not limited to, a computer, monitor, lamp, fan, and the like. [0060] The power management device 1 100 includes an input connector 1 1 10 for coupling to a mains power supply 1 105. The input connector 1 1 10 may be implemented, for example, using a standard power plug adapted to plug into a standard power outlet for the particular jurisdiction in which the device 1 1 10 is to operate. The input connector 1 1 10 may be connected directly to a housing of the power management device 1 100 or, alternatively, may include a section of power cable to facilitate ease of coupling of the device 1 100 to a power outlet. The mains power is passed through the connector 1 1 10 to a power meter 1 120 and then to an output connector 1 160, via a relay 1 130. A microcontroller 1 150 is adapted to turn the relay 1 130 on and off to control flow of electricity from the input connector 1 1 10 to the output connector 1 160. The output connector 1 160 may be implemented, for example, as a general purpose outlet adapted to receive a standard electrical plug rated for the particular jurisdiction in which the device 1 100 is to operate. I n one arrangement, the output connector 1 160 is implemented using an AS/NZ61535.1 compliant connector from CMS Electracom , as such connectors are commonly used in office fitouts.

[0061 ] The power meter 1 120 is connected to the microcontroller 1 150 and provides power information to the microcontroller 1 150 over time. The microcontroller 1 150 is also connected to the relay 1 130, so as to control coupling of the input mains power supply from the input connector 1 1 10 to the external connector 1 160. The microcontroller 1 150 is further connected to a transmitter 1 155. As described above with reference to the transmitter 1055 of Fig. 10, the transmitter 1 155 may be a wired or wireless transmitter implemented, for example, using Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB) , Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, SigFox, LoRa, 6L0WPAN, or any other appropriate transmission protocol. The transmitter 1 155 is adapted to transmit power information received by the

microcontroller 1 150 from the power meter 1 120 to a remote server (not shown) .

[0062] I n the example of Fig. 1 1 , the power management device is coupled to a power board 1 170, which includes a set of four power outlets 1 172, 1 174, 1 176, 1 178. The power board 1 170 is connected to the output connector 1 160 by a power cord 1 165, wherein a first conductor in the power cord 1 165 is an active conductor connected to an upper power rail 1 180 of the power board 1 170 and a second conductor in the power cord 1 165 is a neutral conductor connected to a lower power rail 1 185 in the power board 1 170. [0063] I n operation, the standalone power management device 1 1 10 may be plugged into an existing power outlet using the input connector 1 1 10 and an electronic device may be coupled to the output connector 1 160. The power meter 1 120 is then able to monitor power consumption of the device connected to the output connector 1 160, whereupon the microcontroller 1 150 controls transmission of the power information via the transmitter 1 155 to a remote server. I n the example of Fig. 1 1 , the power meter 1 120 monitors the aggregate power consumption of all devices connected to the power outlets 1 171 , 1 174, 1 176, 1 178. Further, when the transmitter 1 155 is implemented as a transceiver, the remote server can send instructions to the microcontroller 1 150, via the transmitter 1 155, to turn power on or off by operating the relay 1 130.

[0064] The management device 1 100 may be optionally equipped with a display device, such as an LED panel, for displaying power data derived from the power meter 1 120. Such power data may include, for example, instantaneous power readings, average power readings over a predefined time period, maximum power readings, minimum power readings, and the like. I n one arrangement, the display device is associated with a user interface that enables a user to scroll through one or more power readings. The user interface may be implemented, for example, using buttons, a touch screen, or the like.

[0065] Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram representation of a standalone power management device 400 adapted to be used with existing power outlets and featuring a wireless transceiver 410 implemented using the ZigBee communications protocol. The wireless transceiver 410 is coupled to a microcontroller 420, which controls operation of a master relay 440. As described above with reference to the embodiment of Fig. 1 1 , the relay 440 controls delivery of power from a mains power supply to which the

management device is connected to a connected device. The microcontroller 420 is also coupled to a power meter 430, which monitors the power consumed by the connected device and feeds power information back to the microcontroller 420 for storage and/or transmission by the transceiver 410.

[0066] Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device 500 adapted to be used with existing power outlets and featuring a wired transceiver 510 implemented using, for example, an Ethernet connection. The wired transceiver 510 is coupled to a microcontroller 520, which controls operation of a master relay 540. As described above with reference to the embodiment of Fig. 1 1 , the relay 540 controls delivery of power from a mains power supply to which the management device is connected to a connected device. The microcontroller 520 is also coupled to a power meter 530, which monitors the power consumed by the connected device and feeds power information back to the microcontroller 520 for storage and/or transmission by the transceiver 510.

[0067] I n one arrangement, a method and system utilise one or more of the

above-mentioned power management devices to collect energy consumption information from power outlets installed on a set of desks in an activity based working environment. When active work takes place, energy consumption also takes place, due to every device that is plugged into an electrical system exhibiting a certain energy signature or power draw. This information is measured through time and relayed back to a central data server for storage.

[0068] The transmission of data from the power management devices may use any communications network, including one or more wired or wireless connections, including a Local Area Network (LAN) , Wide Area Network (WAN) , a virtual private network (VPN) , cellular telephony network, the I nternet, or any combination thereof . As described above with reference to Fig. 1 , the power management device 100 uses a low power wireless transceiver 1 10 employing the ZigBee protocol. I n other embodiments, the

transceiver 1 10 may be implemented using any suitable wireless transmission protocol, including, but not limited to, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, or Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technologies, such as LTE- MTC, LoRa, NarrowBand l oT, or Sigfox. Over time, the data collected is used to establish a trend on workspace utilisation by overlaying energy consumption on a floorplan of activity based workspace. This information indicates hotspots, such as whether areas could be well-utilised, over-utilised or under-utilised. The activity based working environment may then be modified for more efficient use of the workspace.

[0069] Methods and systems of the present disclosure may be used to perform , but are not limited to, the following functions:

1 . Track workspace utilisation through time.

2. Track and manage energy consumption through time.

a. This concept allows power to be turned off remotely and automatically allowing the possibility to achieve a 0W idle.

b. Allow precise control of what devices to turn on or off.

3. Track overall health and operation of a work desk remotely. [0070] Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram representation of a network 600 of power management devices. I n the example of Fig. 6, the network 600 uses power

management devices employing the ZigBee wireless technology, wherein the power management devices are configured in a cluster tree configuration. Each end device is configured in a reduced functionality mode for reduced power consumption, operations simplicity, and cost effectiveness. The end devices may be implemented, for example, using one or more of the power board 1000 of Fig. 10 and/or the power management device 1 100 of Fig. 1 1 . The end devices communicate to a ZigBee router. Every ZigBee router is in turn managed by a ZigBee coordinator, which in turn is connected back to a central server. This configuration allows efficient deployment and expansion as more end devices are required, without impacting data traffic and capacity.

[0071 ] I n one arrangement, a single ZigBee router is dimensioned to control up to 100 power management devices implemented using ZigBee transceivers at any time and a single ZigBee coordinator is able to control up to 5 ZigBee routers. Such an arrangement allows a capacity of 500 power management devices (i.e. , sensors) that can be installed on 500 desks per floor. I n a multi-floor configuration, the network may be expanded by adding a ZigBee coordinator at every floor and follow up router and then end device, in a manner consistent with that illustrated in Fig. 6.

[0072] Fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram representation of a system 700 for monitoring a set of power management devices. The system 700 includes a set of end devices 710, 715, 720, wherein each end device includes a power management device, such as those described above with reference to Figs 10 and 1 1 . Each end device 710, 715, 720 communicates with sensor infrastructure 725, wherein the sensor infrastructure 725 represents the topology of connections among Zigbee coordinators and Zigbee routers for a particular implementation.

[0073] The system 700 also includes a central data server 735, which is coupled to a central control unit 730. The central control unit 730 is coupled to the sensor infrastructure 725. The central data server 735 is the remote server referred to in relation to Fig. 10 and Fig. 1 1 and acts as a central repository for all the energy consumption information that is transmitted back to base from the end devices 710, 715, 720. The information is stored in a database format consisting of time, energy consumption, location and end device health. [0074] I n one arrangement, the central data server 735 has multiple network interfaces by which to couple to a set of ZigBee coordinators. I n one particular implementation, each floor of a multi-floor workspace occupies one interface.

[0075] The central control unit 730 acts as a controller interface. The central control unit 730 displays all power information in real time, such as device operation and health. Any actions to be performed, such as remotely operating a single end device, are initiated from the central control unit 730. The central control unit 730 is adapted to transmit control commands via the sensor infrastructure 725 for execution by the respective microcontrollers in the end devices 710, 715, 720. The central control unit 730 is able to communicate with the respective microcontrollers to operate the relays and thus control delivery of power through the end devices 710, 715, 720. The central control unit 730 is also able to communicate with the central data server 735 for pulling out data history and trends.

[0076] I n one arrangement, the central control unit 730 has an associated user interface by which one or more users are able to control aspects of the system 700. I n one implementation, the user interface is adapted to be displayed as a dashboard on a display of a computing device.

[0077] Fig. 8 illustrates a user interface 800 having a dashboard for monitoring and controlling the system of Fig. 7. The dashboard 800 aggregates and displays all the power information collected from the various sensors in the system 700. Depending on the size of the workspace in which the power management devices are deployed, the dashboard 800 optionally presents power information by building, by floor, and by table. Each table or a section represents an end device deployed within the work site. The section displays health and/or energy consumption information as a quick summary. Clicking on the section shows more detailed operational information and a set of controls that are available for that sensor. The user interface also shows an energy consumption heat map overlaid on a floor plan to show which area is under-utilised or over-utilised.

[0078] I n the example of Fig. 8, the dashboard 800 provides information relating to a particular work site. I n this instance, a first region 810 indicates a building name or reference, which in this example is "BUI LDI NG 1 ". The first region displays a set of sensor locations 830, which in this example are arranged by desk or room.

[0079] A secondary region 840 provides further information for a selected sensor location. I n the example of Fig. 8, Table 3 is the selected sensor location, and the second region 840 provides a table listing a set of sensors associated with Table 3 and their respective power consumption readings.

[0080] A third region 850 provides one or more graphical displays relating to power consumption regions associated with a selected area. I n the example of Fig. 8, the third region 850 displays information pertaining to the selected sensor location, Table 3. A first graph 860 maps energy consumption over time for Table 3. A second graph 870 provides a graphical representation of a floorplan to identify a position of Table 3 in its local environment, which in this example is FLOOR 1 of BUI LDI NG 1 .

[0081 ] Figs 14 to 17 illustrate an example in which the central data server 735 generates an energy consumption heat map for a floor of an office building. Fig. 14 illustrates a simplified floor plan 1400 of an office floor having a showroom , a boardroom , three meeting rooms, two other rooms, and 38 desks arranged across two columns.

[0082] To assist in identifying the relative locations of the different desks and rooms, Fig. 15 illustrates a grid overlaid on the floor plan 1400. I n this example, a first, horizontal axis is labelled in units A - H and a second, vertical axis is labelled in units 1 -25. Thus Table 25 shown in Fig. 14 may be referenced using the co-ordinates (D, 16) .

[0083] Table 1 below illustrates an example of power figures obtained from the various desks and rooms of the floorplan 1400, referenced in accordance with the grid of Fig. 15. Thus, Table 25, referenced as (D, 16) has a power consumption figure of 500. Depending on the implementation and the application, the power consumption figure may be an instantaneous reading, an average reading over a predefined period of time, a cumulative reading over a period of time, or any combination thereof. I n this example, the power consumption figure of 500 corresponds to 500Wh over a period of a day.

A B c D E F G H

1 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 100 0 0 0 100 0 0 0

5 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0

6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

7 400 80 0 80 150 0 0 0

8 600 600 0 200 300 0 0 0

9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

10 400 500 0 5 40 0 0 0

11 500 500 0 10 150 0 0 0

12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

13 300 180 0 0 0 0 0 0

14 100 5 0 0 0 0 0 0

15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

16 120 60 0 500 30 0 150 100

17 150 150 0 500 500 0 150 200

18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

19 50 150 0 250 10 0 0 0

20 30 0 0 250 10 0 0 0

21 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0

22 100 50 0 0 0 0

23 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

24 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

25 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Table 1

[0084] The power consumption figures shown in Table 1 are also overlaid on the floorplan 1400 in Fig . 1 5. I t can be seen from Figs 14 and 1 5 that two power outlets in Meeting Room 1 (A, 24-25) have relatively low power usage of 1 0Wh each , whereas Tables 7 and 8, of the Operations Department, have relatively high power usage figures of 600Wh each . Similarly, Table 1 shows no power consumption in Colum n C, as that region of the floorplan corresponds to a corridor or walkway.

[0085] Fig. 1 6 shows an energy consumption heat map 1 600 illustrating distribution of energy consumption across the floorplan 1400. From the heat map 1 600, it is readily apparent that some locations of the floorplan 1400 use large amounts of power and other locations use small amounts of power. Such information can be used to plan installation of new power outlets, distribution of workspaces, reallocation of workspaces, and the like.

[0086] Fig. 17 shows an alternative energy consumption heat map 1700 illustrating distribution of energy consumption across the floorplan 1400 from a top plan view. This view makes it easier to identify walkways and unused office space. Different colours or shading intensities may be used to differentiate different energy consumption levels.

[0087] I n one arrangement, each end device performs a mandatory self-diagnostic test upon startup. This provides general information about the overall health of the desk to which the device is attached. I n one implementation, a microcontroller on each end device performs the self-diagnostic test. The overall health of the desk to which the device is attached may be assessed based one or more parameters, including, for example, but not limited to, transmitter link status, network status, feedback response from relays within the device, response from power meter, and the like. The

microcontroller may perform such a self-diagnostic test by executing computer code instructions stored on, or accessible by, the microcontroller.

[0088] I f the self-diagnostic test reveals a problem , only the affected feature is disabled, so that unaffected features can continue to be used without affecting uptime. This is only temporary, because the status is reported to the command centre console for further action. For example, using the example of Fig. 10, if the microcontroller 1050 detects that relay 1015, due to lack of response or an incorrect response during the self- diagnostic test, the microcontroller 1050 is able to disable relay 1015 via the control line 1065. The microcontroller 1050 is then able to report the fault to a central server via the transmitter 1055. I n the event that a fault resides in the transmitter 1055, then the microcontroller 1050 would be unable to download new settings or policies or report power usage data back to the central server. I n one arrangement, the

microcontroller 1050 is adapted to bypass a defective component in order to maintain substantially normal operation. I n one arrangement, the central server listens for a periodic heartbeat signal from each end device and issues an alert if a heartbeat signal is not received within a predefined time period.

[0089] Each sensor end device is assigned a sensor identifier (I D) . The sensor I D corresponds to a physical location at which the end device is deployed. The dashboard of the control user interface is adapted to display the various sensor I Ds. Fig. 9 is a flow diagram of a self-diagnostic test method 900. The method 900 begins at a Start step 905 and proceeds to step 910, which performs the self-diagnostic test.

[0090] Decision step 915 determines whether there are any issues. I f the

self-diagnostic test reveals no issues, No, control passes to step 920, which checks a policy. The policy determines what configuration has been chosen by an organisation (e.g. , switch on relay 1 , switch off relay 2, etc.) . I n step 925, the system downloads and applies the settings and then proceeds with normal operations. Control passes to decision step 930. Step 930 determines the outcome from downloading settings that happened in Step 925. If the settings are OFF (e.g. , night mode) , then step 930 triggers an "Off" countdown loop. I f the settings are ON (e.g. , day mode) , then step 930 triggers the normal loop. So, if step 930 identifies an "ON" outcome, control passes to step 935. At predefined time intervals, the end device measures and transmits energy consumption information, as shown in step 935. During normal operations, additional sub-flows are inserted to allow for on-the-go changes, to force overwrite during off peak use (e.g. , employees returning to work outside of normal hours) , etc.

[0091 ] Control passes to step 940 which performs a countdown timer and then proceeds to decision step 945. Decision step 945 determines whether a certain interval (e.g. , > a certain uptime) has passed. I f the interval has passed, Yes, the end device returns to the top of the flow chart to step 910 to perform the self-diagnostic test again. This information provides a real-time effect to the command centre console on the overall health of the entire building or floor.

[0092] However, if at step 945 the interval has not expired, No, control passes to step 960, which listens for instructions. For example, if the countdown timer is set to a predefined first timer interval of 30 minutes and the interval is set to 8 hours, then steps 940, 945, and 960 in combination will listen for new instructions every 30 minutes for up to 8 hours. Further, the countdown timer of step 940 and the interval of step 945 assist in distributing data/query traffic among all of the end devices, so that different end devices are able to listen and/or download at different intervals. Control then passes to decision step 965, which determines if there is an outcome or not based on a response from the central control unit 730. I f there is an outcome, Yes, indicating that there are changes, control returns to step 925. I f there is not an outcome, No, indicating that there are no new change, control passes to step 935. [0093] Returning to step 915, if there are issues identified in the self-diagnostic test, Yes, control passes from step 915 to step 950, which reports the status of the end device to the central server. Control then passes to step 955, which disables the affected feature. Control then passes to step 920.

[0094] Returning to step 930, if the outcome is OFF, control passes to step 940, which activates a countdown timer. Control then passes to step 945, which determines use. I f use is Yes, control passes to step 935. However, if use is No, control returns to step 920.

[0095] The power management system of the present disclosure may be practised using a computing device, such as a general purpose computer or computer server. Fig. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a system 1200 that includes a general purpose computer 1210. The general purpose computer 1210 includes a plurality of components, including: a processor 1212, a memory 1214, a storage medium 1216, input/output (I/O) interfaces 1220, and input/output (I/O) ports 1222. Components of the general purpose computer 1210 generally communicate using one or more buses 1248.

[0096] The memory 1214 may be implemented using Random Access Memory (RAM) , Read Only Memory (ROM) , or a combination thereof . The storage medium 1216 may be implemented as one or more of a hard disk drive, a solid state "flash" drive, an optical disk drive, or other storage means. The storage medium 1216 may be utilised to store one or more computer programs, including an operating system , software applications, and data. I n one mode of operation, instructions from one or more computer programs stored in the storage medium 1216 are loaded into the memory 1214 via the bus 1248. I nstructions loaded into the memory 1214 are then made available via the bus 1248 or other means for execution by the processor 1212 to implement a mode of operation in accordance with the executed instructions.

[0097] One or more peripheral devices may be coupled to the general purpose computer 1210 via the I/O ports 1222. I n the example of Fig. 12, the general purpose computer 1210 is coupled to each of a speaker 1224, a camera 1226, a display device 1230, an input device 1232, a printer 1234, and an external storage medium 1236. The speaker 1224 may be implemented using one or more speakers, such as in a stereo or surround sound system.

[0098] The camera 1226 may be a webcam , or other still or video digital camera, and may download and upload information to and from the general purpose computer 1210 via the I/O ports 1222, dependent upon the particular implementation. For example, images recorded by the camera 1226 may be uploaded to the storage medium 1216 of the general purpose computer 1210. Similarly, images stored on the storage medium 1216 may be downloaded to a memory or storage medium of the camera 1226. The camera 1226 may include a lens system, a sensor unit, and a recording medium.

[0099] The display device 1230 may be a computer monitor, such as a cathode ray tube screen, plasma screen, or liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The display 1230 may receive information from the computer 1210 in a conventional manner, wherein the information is presented on the display device 1230 for viewing by a user. The display device 1230 may optionally be implemented using a touch screen to enable a user to provide input to the general purpose computer 1210. The touch screen may be, for example, a capacitive touch screen, a resistive touchscreen, a surface acoustic wave touchscreen, or the like.

[00100] The input device 1232 may be a keyboard, a mouse, a stylus, drawing tablet, or any combination thereof, for receiving input from a user. The external storage medium 1236 may include an external hard disk drive (HDD), an optical drive, a floppy disk drive, a flash drive, solid state drive (SSD), or any combination thereof and may be implemented as a single instance or multiple instances of any one or more of those devices. For example, the external storage medium 1236 may be implemented as an array of hard disk drives.

[00101] The I/O interfaces 1220 facilitate the exchange of information between the general purpose computing device 1210 and other computing devices. The I/O interfaces may be implemented using an internal or external modem, an Ethernet connection, or the like, to enable coupling to a transmission medium. In the example of Fig.12, the I/O interfaces 1222 are coupled to a communications network 1238 and directly to a computing device 1242. The computing device 1242 is shown as a personal computer, but may be equally be practised using a smartphone, laptop, or a tablet device. Direct communication between the general purpose computer 1210 and the computing device 1242 may be implemented using a wireless or wired transmission link.

[00102] The communications network 1238 may be implemented using one or more wired or wireless transmission links and may include, for example, a dedicated communications link, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a telecommunications network, or any combination thereof. A

telecommunications network may include, but is not limited to, a telephony network, such as a Public Switch Telephony Network (PSTN) , a mobile telephone cellular network, a short message service (SMS) network, or any combination thereof . The general purpose computer 1210 is able to communicate via the communications network 1238 to other computing devices connected to the communications network 1238, such as the mobile telephone handset 1244, the touchscreen smartphone 1246, the personal computer 1240, and the computing device 1242.

[00103] One or more instances of the general purpose computer 1210 may be utilised to implement a server acting as a control data server to implement a power management system in accordance with the present disclosure. I n such an embodiment, the memory 1214 and storage 1216 are utilised to store data relating to power information for one or more installations, such as desks in an office workspace. Software for implementing the power management system is stored in one or both of the

memory 1214 and storage 1216 for execution on the processor 1212. The software includes computer program code for implementing method steps in accordance with the method of power monitoring described herein.

[00104] Fig. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a system 1300 on which one or more aspects of a power monitoring method and system of the present disclosure may be practised. The system 1300 includes a portable computing device in the form of a smartphone 1310, which may be used by a registered user of the power monitoring system in Fig. 7. The smartphone 1310 includes a plurality of components, including : a processor 1312, a memory 1314, a storage medium 1316, a battery 1318, an

antenna 1320, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver 1322, a subscriber identity module (SI M) card 1324, a speaker 1326, an input device 1328, a camera 1330, a display 1332, and a wireless transmitter and receiver 1334. Components of the smartphone 1310 generally communicate using one or more bus connections 1348 or other connections therebetween. The smartphone 1310 also includes a wired

connection 1345 for coupling to a power outlet to recharge the battery 1318 or for connection to a computing device, such as the general purpose computer 1210 of Fig. 12. The wired connection 1345 may include one or more connectors and may be adapted to enable uploading and downloading of content from and to the memory 1314 and SI M card 1324.

[00105] The smartphone 1310 may include many other functional components, such as an audio digital-to-analogue and analogue-to-digital converter and an amplifier, but those components are omitted for the purpose of clarity. However, such components would be readily known and understood by a person skilled in the relevant art.

[00106] The memory 1314 may include Random Access Memory (RAM) , Read Only Memory (ROM) , or a combination thereof . The storage medium 1316 may be

implemented as one or more of a solid state "flash" drive, a removable storage medium, such as a Secure Digital (SD) or microSD card, or other storage means. The storage medium 1316 may be utilised to store one or more computer programs, including an operating system , software applications, and data. I n one mode of operation, instructions from one or more computer programs stored in the storage medium 1316 are loaded into the memory 1314 via the bus 1348. I nstructions loaded into the memory 1314 are then made available via the bus 1348 or other means for execution by the processor 1312 to implement a mode of operation in accordance with the executed instructions.

[00107] The smartphone 1310 also includes an application programming interface (API ) module 1336, which enables programmers to write software applications to execute on the processor 1312. Such applications include a plurality of instructions that may be pre-installed in the memory 1314 or downloaded to the memory 1314 from an external source, via the RF transmitter and receiver 1322 operating in association with the antenna 1320 or via the wired connection 1345.

[00108] The smartphone 1310 further includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) location module 1338. The GPS location module 1338 is used to determine a geographical position of the smartphone 1310, based on GPS satellites, cellular telephone tower triangulation, or a combination thereof . The determined geographical position may then be made available to one or more programs or applications running on the

processor 1312.

[00109] The wireless transmitter and receiver 1334 may be utilised to communicate wirelessly with external peripheral devices via Bluetooth, infrared, or other wireless protocol. I n the example of Fig. 13, the smartphone 1310 is coupled to each of a printer 1340, an external storage medium 1344, and a computing device 1342. The computing device 1342 may be implemented, for example, using the general purpose computer 1210 of Fig. 12.

[001 10] The camera 1326 may include one or more still or video digital cameras adapted to capture and record to the memory 1314 or the SI M card 1324 still images or video images, or a combination thereof. The camera 1326 may include a lens system, a sensor unit, and a recording medium. A user of the smartphone 1310 may upload the recorded images to another computer device or peripheral device using the wireless transmitter and receiver 1334, the RF transmitter and receiver 1322, or the wired connection 1345.

[001 1 1 ] I n one example, the display device 1332 is implemented using a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The display 1332 is used to display content to a user of the smartphone 1310. The display 1332 may optionally be implemented using a touch screen, such as a capacitive touch screen or resistive touchscreen, to enable a user to provide input to the smartphone 1310.

[001 12] The input device 1328 may be a keyboard, a stylus, or microphone, for example, for receiving input from a user. I n the case in which the input device 1328 is a keyboard, the keyboard may be implemented as an arrangement of physical keys located on the smartphone 610. Alternatively, the keyboard may be a virtual keyboard displayed on the display device 1332.

[001 13] The SI M card 1324 is utilised to store an I nternational Mobile Subscriber Identity (I MSI ) and a related key used to identify and authenticate the user on a cellular network to which the user has subscribed. The SI M card 1324 is generally a removable card that can be used interchangeably on different smartphone or cellular telephone devices. The SI M card 1324 can be used to store contacts associated with the user, including names and telephone numbers. The SI M card 1324 can also provide storage for pictures and videos. Alternatively, contacts can be stored on the memory 1314.

[001 14] The RF transmitter and receiver 1322, in association with the antenna 1320, enable the exchange of information between the smartphone 1310 and other computing devices via a communications network 1390. I n the example of Fig. 13, RF transmitter and receiver 1322 enable the smartphone 1310 to communicate via the communications network 1390 with a cellular telephone handset 1350, a smartphone or tablet device 1352, a computing device 1354 and the computing device 1342. The computing devices 1354 and 1342 are shown as personal computers, but each may be equally be practised using a smartphone, laptop, or a tablet device.

[001 15] The communications network 1390 may be implemented using one or more wired or wireless transmission links and may include, for example, a cellular telephony network, a dedicated communications link, a local area network (LAN) , a wide area network (WAN) , the I nternet, a telecommunications network, or any combination thereof. A telecommunications network may include, but is not limited to, a telephony network, such as a Public Switch Telephony Network (PSTN) , a cellular (mobile) telephone cellular network, a short message service (SMS) network, or any combination thereof.

[001 16] Fig. 18 is a schematic block diagram representation of a power management device embodied in a power board 1800, with a separate power meter for each power outlet. The power board 1800, also known as a power strip, receives an AC mains supply 1805, which is coupled to an input connector 1806. The connector 1806 couples to a top power rail 1890 that feeds each of a first power outlet 1810, a second power outlet 1820, a third power outlet 1830, and a fourth power outlet 1840, all of which are connected in parallel.

[001 17] The output of the first power outlet 1810 is connected via a first power meter 1812 to a first relay 1815, which is coupled to a bottom power rail 1895 that returns to the input connector 1806 in order to complete the circuit. The output of the second power outlet 1820 is connected via a second power meter 1822 to a second relay 1825. The output of the third power outlet 1830 is connected via a third power meter 1832 to a third relay 1835. The output of the fourth power outlet 1840 is connected via a fourth power meter 1842 to a fourth relay 1845. The outputs of the second, third, and fourth relays 1825, 1835, and 1845 are all coupled to the bottom power rail 1895.

[001 18] The power board 1800 further includes a transmitter 1855, which is adapted to couple the power board 1800 to an external communications network. The

transmitter 1855 may be implemented using wired or wireless technologies, including, but not limited to, Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB) , Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, SigFox, LoRa, 6L0WPAN, and the like.

[001 19] The power board 1800 also includes a microcontroller 1850, which is coupled to the transmitter 1855. Where the transmitter 1855 is implemented as a transceiver, an external user can send control signals via the external communications network to the transmitter 1855 and then to the microcontroller 1850. The microcontroller 1850 is also coupled to each of the relays 1815, 1825, 1835, and 1845, via respective control lines 1865, 1870, 1875, which enable the microcontroller 1850 to control the application of power to each of the respective power outlets 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840.

[00120] I n an alternative embodiment (not shown) , a single relay controls the application of power to each of the set of relays 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840. I n such an arrangement, all of the power outlets 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840 are controlled together, such that the power outlets 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840 are all turned on or all turned off. I n the arrangement shown in Fig. 18, the microcontroller 1850 is able to control power to the power outlets 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840 independently.

[00121 ] The first, second, third, and fourth power meters 1812, 1822, 1832, 1842 record the individual power consumption for the respective power outlets 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840 and transmit recorded power information to the microcontroller 1850. The microcontroller 1850 sends some or all of the recorded power information to the transmitter 1855 for transmission to a remote server.

I ndustrial Applicability

[00122] The arrangements described are applicable to the power industry.

[00123] The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[00124] I n the context of this specification, the word "comprising" and its associated grammatical constructions mean "including principally but not necessarily solely" or "having" or "including", and not "consisting only of". Variations of the word "comprising" , such as "comprise" and "comprises" have correspondingly varied meanings.

[00125] As used throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third" , "fourth", etc. , to describe common or related objects, indicates that reference is being made to different instances of those common or related objects, and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be provided or positioned in a given order or sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[00126] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.