| 摘要 |
A digital meter displaying continuous and accurate cost information as it pertains to instantaneous electricity consumption in a household or elsewhere is proposed. The device informs electricity consumers of their instantaneous an d cumulative expenditure on electricity thus assisting in the detection of energy wastage and empowering the consumer to make informed choices regarding consumption habits. The unit is comprised of a small sensor that is placed o n or near the glass of the utility power meter (usually outdoors), a digital display device placed in a convenient location inside the premises, and a wire connecting the two components. Variations of the concept and proposed device are the use of wireless technology for data transfer between the sensor and display and the use of a personal computer for display in place of a dedicat ed display unit. The operation of the device is analogous to a digital bicycle speedometer/odometer in that the rate of revolution of a wheel (in this case the disk inside the utility meter) is determined through sensor input and the rate, and "distance" are displayed on an LCD device. In the case of the proposed devic e the reflective characteristics of the utility meter disk are utilized to detect angular speed, day and night, via a light emitting and receiving sensor.The angular speed and cumulative quantity are then displayed on the LCD device positione d away from the sensor. To obtain and display accurate "cost" readings the use r need only calibrate the proposed device once with the utility meter conversi on factor (printed on all utility meters), and, with the user's electricity cos t rate as printed on power bills.
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