Power shedding device and method

摘要

A remote-controllable circuit breaker (RCB) is provided for use with a main breaker that permits a user to stop power from being delivered to selected non-critical loads by remotely operating a small motor within one or more RCBs to turn the RCBs off. The user can be the consumer himself, or, if remote access to the RCB has been granted by the consumer, the user can be a retail energy supplier or the consumer's utility company. The RCB's can be installed in the main circuit breaker box, or they can be installed in a subpanel. A communications module with a power supply and a relay operates to change the polarity of the d.c. voltage on an RCB's motor to switch power to a load off or on. The communications module receives input from any standard communications network, such as internet protocol, wi-fi or wi-max.

主权项

1. A system that allows an entity to shed power loads using a meter, a main circuit breaker, and a breaker panel, the system further comprising:
(a) at least one remote-controllable breaker comprising a low-voltage motor within the breaker, switch contacts, and a main switch; (b) a communications module having a power supply and a relay; (c) wiring for connecting the communications module to the remote-controllable breaker; (d) a communications system that is remotely activated by the entity to switch the relay in the communications module to change polarity of the motor's voltage,the remote-controllable breaker controlling delivery of electricity to a load.