OpenPower Open Source Home Electrical Solution
IIT COA INDEPENDENT STUDY Spring 2011 PRESENTED BY: David Pollard, AIA LEED AP COA ADVISOR: Prof. John Durbrow ENGINEERING CONTRIBUTOR: Prof. Ken Choi PATENTABILITY CONTRIBUTORS: Robert Barrett Kent Law School IP Law Clinic ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONTRIBUTOR: Nik Rokop DIAGRAM CONTRIBUTORS: Fall 2010 D_Lab Group Noel Turgeon He Zheng Joshua Turcotte
Contents 7
PRODUCT OVERVIEW MARKETING PROFILE
13 NEEDS ANALYSIS FLEXIBILITY ADAPTABILITY SAFETY 31
PRODUCT PROPOSAL OVERVIEW SYSTEM DESCRIPTION MODULE TYPES TRACK COMPONENTS
41
PATENTABILITY ANALYSIS
OVERVIEW NOVELTY OBVIOUSNESS FREEDOM TO OPERATE TRADEMARK 49 55
ENGINEERING ANALYSIS
IMPLEMENTATION ANALYSIS
OVERVIEW
SYSTEM DIAGRAM
67 INNOVATION ANALYSIS INSTALLATION WIRELESS POWER PRECEDENT PRODUCTS
79
POTENTIAL IMPACT
OVERVIEW CONCLUSION
Product Overview
FLEXIBILITY
ADAPTABILITY
Outlets are where you need them, not just where the electrician put them.
Truly open-source, as technology
changes, so can OpenPower.
SAFETY
U.S. Electrical fires in homes kill 485
people each year and injure 2,305.
• Wireless Power, wireless extenders can
• Infinite Module Types, as technology
• No wires, electrical current is passed
• No Extension Cords, having outlets
• SmartGrid Integration, addressable
• Reduced shock hazard, elec-
• Furniture Where You Want It, instead
• Update Your Home, designed for both
• No concealed parts, the system
allow you to transmit power without cords.
where you want them eliminates the need for extension cords. of placing furniture where the outlet is, you can now move the power to the furniture.
changes, new modules can be developed.
modules enable control and monitoring of power usage through central computers. new construction and for retrofit applications, OpenPower can replace all of your existing outlets.
Wireless Power Extender Module
via magnetic induction.
trical current is transmitted only to calibrated receivers.
is external so that fires do not form within the cavity wall.
Wood Studs Gypsum Wall Board
Existing Outlet System
USB Power Module
OpenPower System Standard Outlet Power Module
OpenPower is surface mounted on the wall construction, so there are no holes or conduit within the wall cavity. Outlet modules can be placed anywhere needed along the track length.
POWER WHERE YOU NEED IT. Our modern lifestyles constantly demand
electricity. At the same time our electronic devices are becoming increasingly portable. The antiquated system of fixed power outlets limits our mobility, does not accept new technologies, and creates unsafe situations. OpenPower changes this and delivers a flexible open-source power solution for the future.
Needs Analysis
NEEDS ANALYSIS | OVERVIEW Now in the 21st century humans consume more electricity in more different ways than in any other time in history. Surge protectors are plugged into a single outlet which in turn provides power to six or more other devices. Televisions, wii’s, cell phones, computers, ipads, computer speakers, ipods, alarm clocks, and printers are just a few of the devices that are constantly charging in varying locations in the home. Many of these devices power sources have built in transformers, some can charge with USB power, and some can even charge magnetically. There is a growing need for a redesign of the current electrical distribution system. Today’s home is very different than the home that the system was originally designed for: • increased quantities of portable electronics and power requirements • increased transience and demand for planning flexibility • enormous labor costs in installing fixed systems • increased power consumption
As a result of the 21st century lifestyle, homeowners attempt to manipulate the existing system and therefore create safety and fire hazards. The system of conduit, outlets, and switches is antiquated, inefficient, and potentially dangerous. In our homes we are forced to plug in devices where an outlet has been haphazardly located by code and poor design. Extension cords and surge protectors line the perimeter walls of our homes where we need them. Meanwhile the majority of the outlets are left empty.
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Integrated with Baseboard 16
Surface Mounted on Exposed Brick
NEEDS ANALYSIS | FLEXIBILITY
INSTALLATION OPTIONS The OpenPower Solution also offers a flexibility of installation options. The track is designed to be as low profile as possible, surface mounted on gypsum board, and protruding only about 1/8�. This allows the system to be installed easily in new construction or in retrofit applications, even on concrete or exposed brick walls. Typical Installation
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Existing Outlet System
OpenPower System 18
Existing Outlet System
OpenPower System
NEEDS ANALYSIS | FLEXIBILITY Currently many electrical devices often crowd one outlet. In the proposed system, electrical outlets are available where needed.This flexibility reduces cluttered outlets and eliminates the need for secondary electrical systems, such as extension cords or power strips. Safety of the electrical system is increased through the direct proximity of appliance to outlet and by not overloading outlet.
Existing Outlet System
Outlets locations are typically poorly placed, based primarily on the code requirement that outlets cannot be farther than twelve feet apart. This requirement is based on the idea that any outlet can be reached by six foot extension cords. We are proposing the elimination of extension cords. Instead you just put the outlet where you need it. This strategy allows the homeowner to place appliances and furniture wherever they want them. The idea is bring the power to your lifestyle, don’t alter your lifestyle to where the power is.
OpenPower System 19
TRADITIONAL POWER STEPPING DIAGRAM Electricity continues to be stepped down within the home to provide compatible voltage to various devices with transformers.
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OPENPOWER STEPPING DIAGRAM Transformers are eliminated as the magnetic resonance system can provide variable voltage output through calibrated modules.
NEEDS ANALYSIS | ADAPTABILITY VARIABLE VOLTAGE Numerous advanced technologies in electrical supply already exist, and we can only expect to see more in the coming years. Wireless power, led lighting, USB power, and low voltage appliances are just a few increasingly common advances in home electrical use. Current home electrical systems deliver primarily line voltage power to fixed wall outlets. This power supply ranges from 110-230 volts, which works great for incandescent lighting and appliances. However more homes now have more products requiring low voltage than line voltage. All of these products have large bulky transformers built into their cords to convert the current to a lower voltage. Our system proposes an adaptable voltage system that uses magnetic resonance technology to only pull the voltage needed from each power module.
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3 2 4
1
NEEDS ANALYSIS | ADAPTABILITY INTEROPERABILITY
5
6
Our proposed system is truly open-source, meaning that it is designed to accept current technologies, and also to allow for the incorporation of future ones. The proposed system incorporates ZigBee certified modules, meaning that they are addressable for home automation and guarantee interoperability across multiple control platforms. This means that current technologies such as RF, SMS, GSM, and ethernet can control and monitor power use. This diagram outlines the control process from the comfort of your couch. Software can be installed on network capable mobile devices to control and manage the system, and you can use a UI such as the control4 touchscreen.
INTEROPERABILITY DIAGRAM WITH ZIGBEE CERTIFIED SYSTEM 1 2 3 4 5 6
OpenPower System and addressable module ZigBee controlled dimmer switch, not hard wired and can be relocated Lamp plugged in to OpenPower - controlled by Zigbee system iPad User Interface and power management Control4 Home Automation Controller Control4 Portable WiFi User Interface and Management
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ZigBee Certified Wall Plug Relay Switch by Develco
MARKET NAME
ZigBee
---
WiFi
Bluetooth
STANDARD
802.15.4
GSM/GPRS/ CDMA/1xRTT
802.11b/g/n
802.15.1
APPLICATION FOCUS
Monitoring & Control
Wide Area Voice & Data
Web, Email, Video
Cable Replacement
SYSTEM RESOURCES
4KB-32KB
16MB+
1MB+
250KB+
BATTERY LIFE (DAYS)
100-1000+
1-7
.5-5
1-7
NETWORK SIZE
Unlimited
1
32
7
MAXIMUM DATA RATE(KB/s)
20-250
64-128+
11,000+
720
TRANSMISSION RANGE (METERS)
1-100+
1000+
1-100
1-10+
SUCCESS METRICS
Reliability, Power, Cost
Reach, Quality
Speed, Flexibility
Cost, Convenience
COMPARISON OF WIRELESS NETWORKING STANDARDS
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NEEDS ANALYSIS | ADAPTABILITY ZIGBEE PERFORMANCE DATA
ZIGBEE SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The ZigBee Protocol is a specification for wireless communication between devices. Zigbee claims that the system is simpler and less expensive than most other WPAN’s such as Bluetooth , therefore also requiring less power.
“The ZigBee Alliance is an association of companies working together to enable reliable, cost-effective, low-power, wirelessly networked, monitoring and control products based on an open global standard. “
The system uses radio frequency to transmit to devices requiring low power, low data rate, and network security. The use of ZigBee technology means that outlets can be addressable, and therefore homeowners can monitor through a web control interface: • • • •
Power usage by location Power usage by device Occupancy sensoring for power controls Outlets can be in sleep mode and not leak electricity • Remote control of electrical outlets
http://www.zigbee.org/About
There are already numerous wireless technologies that allow devices to communicate in different ways. These technologies and future standards should be able to be easily seamlessly integrated into a spatial electrical and data system. ZigBee has created a standard so that these various systems can work together efficiently. The OpenPower proposal is to be ZigBee certified and allow other certified devices to be compatible within the system.
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Yello Strom Graphic Interface
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NEEDS ANALYSIS | ADAPTABILITY POWER MANAGEMENT The increasing use of electricity also calls for the smart use of electricity. A German company, Yello Strom devised a system in which homeowners can see exactly when they are using the majority of their power. The idea is that by being able to graphically view their homes’ deficiencies, the homeowners can adjust their lifestyle to better conserve electricity. The OpenPower proposal integrates well in to such a system. Taking it to the next level, the individually addressable modules can show geographically which devices in your home are using the most power and when.
Yello Strom Networked Meter
“The Sparzähler transforms energy consumers into household energy managers. Small adjustments in how appliances are used could result in up to 10 percent savings in energy use without any reduction in personal comfort.” Andreas Berthold-van der Molen Microsoft Deutschland GmbH
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COMMON CAUSES OF UNSAFE ACTS: • Failure to de-energize, lockout & tag out hazards during maintenance, repair or inspections. • Use of defective and unsafe tools. • Use of tools or equipment too close to energized parts. • Draining off stored energy in capacitors. • Using 3-wire cord with a 2-wire plug. • Removing the third prong (ground pin) to make a 3-prong plug fit a 2-prong outlet. • Overloading outlets with too many appliances. • Using the attached electrical cord to raise or lower equipment. • Not verifying power is off when making repair (drilling into a 110 Volt AC line can kill). • Working in an elevated position near overhead lines. UNSAFE EQUIPMENT: • Loose connections • Faulty insulation • Improper grounding (removal of 3rd prong) • Use of "homemade" extension cords • Defective parts • Unguarded live parts--for example: • Bare conductors or exposed terminals • Metal parts of equipment may become energized when connected by cord or plug. Capacitance may cause up to 55% of line voltage to be stored on the casing of metal tools HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS: • Flammable vapors, liquids and gasses • Combustible dusts • Corrosive atmospheres • Explosive environments • Poor housekeeping: blocked electrical boxes, flammable materials stored in equipment rooms, lack of proper hazard signs, excess clutter. • A fatal electrical shock can result when wire is frayed or damaged in wet or damp locations - water and electricity are a bad combination 28
NEEDS ANALYSIS | SAFETY Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords. During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800 fires, 485 deaths, and $868 million in property losses. Home electrical wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances. (U.S. Fire Administration, A Factsheet on Home Electrical Fire Prevention)
The National Safety council estimates 600 people die every year of electrical causes. Most of these accidents involve low voltage (600 volts or less). Roughly 3,600 disabling electrical contact injuries occur every year in the United States, along with another 4,000 non-disabling injuries. Within urban environments one third of home fires are caused by faulty wiring. 29
Product Proposal
32
PRODUCT PROPOSAL |
OVERVIEW
An open, non-fixed electrical system could increase efficiency in construction, interior flexibility, design aesthetics, and safety. The concept is a continuous electrical hookup system that runs along the perimeter of rooms. Similar to a bus duct system, the user can connect to it at any location along its length. Outlets, data, wireless power, RF switches and other future modules can be plugged into the track system when and where required. If an outlet is not needed, simply remove it and place it in a drawer. The system is designed to be integrated into existing building methods. The track design is a slim 1/8� deep, and is flush mounted on wall surfaces, therefore reducing electrical runs within wall cavities. Further development could allow the system to be pre installed recessed in gypsum board panels at the factory. Wall switches no longer need to be hard-wired. Inexpensive technology has been around for a long time for switches that emit radio-frequency control to switched outlets and lighting fixtures. An iphone, ipad, or separate controller could be used to control all of the switches in a home. The system is open and can allow the implementation of future unknown technologies, different standardized plugs (European, USB, etc.), and smart grid technology. 33
PRODUCT PROPOSAL |
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The open source power system is comprised of two primary components: Track and Modules. The track is a linear system that is surface mounted on the wall. The top cavity of the extrusion contains a continuous magnetic emitter. Using wireless power technology, the emitter transfers electricity when it is in the vicinity of wireless power receiver. The closer the receiver is to the emitter, the more efficient the transfer of power is. Therefore power modules that are placed onto the system come into nearly direct contact with the magnetic emitter for maximum efficiency. The modules are simply placed anywhere along the track, and are magnetically held in place by the magnets on the module and the track.
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TYPICAL 110v OUTLET, GROUNDED / UNGROUNDED / GFCI
EUROPEAN OR OTHER FOREIGN OUTLETS CAN WORK IN THE SYSTEM AS THE VOLTAGE IS VARIABLE
USB OR OTHER LOW VOLTAGE POWER STANDARDS
POWER CORD WITH ATTACHED OPENPOWER PATCH
WIRELESS POWER EXTENDER OR CONVERTER
PRODUCT PROPOSAL |
MODULE TYPES
The system is designed to accommodate numerous existing technologies and is based on an open-platform that can allow infinite future technologies. The need for transformers on your power cords is eliminated as the modules are controlled by a system that allows variable voltage output. This allows the use of USB, WiTricity, 220V, 110V, and other European type plugs to be integrated. LED LIGHTING SOURCE W/ ZIGBEE SWITCHING
LOW VOLTAGE ACCESSORY POWER ADAPTER ACCESSORY WIRELESS CHARGING PAD
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2 1 3
3
4
1
PRODUCT PROPOSAL |
TRACK COMPONENTS
The basic structure of the track system is broken in to four components: 1 Power Track: Magnetic induction track that allows the modules to be magnetically attached to the system. These components come in standard lengths and cannot be cut to length (24”, 48”, 96”, 144”, lengths) 2 Blank Track: Linear track that carries wires to other power track components. The blank track can be cut to length and is attached to their track or junction boxes with connectors.
1
3
2
3 Connectors: Connectors join lengths of track to each other or junction boxes. Available types are male to male, male to female, corner, and end caps. 4 Junction Boxes: Junction boxes are hard wired to conduit and the homes main electrical panel. Track lengths connect directly to the sides of the junction box component.
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Patentability Analysis
Image of Eubiq RC Compact Recess Track System. Although similar in concept the OpenPower proposal, the patentability study found that OpenPower system is novel in that it uses magnetic resonance to transmit electricity as opposed to the hard wired Eubiq system.
42
PATENTABILITY ANALYSIS | OVERVIEW The students in the I.P. Law Clinic studied the OpenPower proposed concept in terms of its patentability and trademarking potential. This report serves to summarize their findings as presented to me at our meeting on March 7, 2011. Patentability was studied in terms of Novelty and Obviousness. Obviousness is considered more subjective to the PTO, therefore most of the study was focused on the Novelty of the product. The conclusive opinion of the IP Law Clinic study is that the OpenPower system in fact has grounds to pursue patents for certain aspects. What sets the proposal apart is the that the method of electrical transmission is different and novel from other similar patents and products. For this reason, further development of the product proposal was directed towards the design and logistics of delivering power through contact less methods.
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OBVIOUSNESS The IP Law Clinic did not render an opinion on Obviousness in light of public art as obviousness is considered a subjective evaluation by the USPTO. However, the following Freedom to Operate study indicates that there may be issues with obviousness as it could be seen as combining existing patented technologies to create a single product. The OpenPower proposal is using concepts of linear power distribution combined with wireless energy transfer to deliver a single product. Because of the finding of the FTO Study, this would require additional research if the product continues to pursue a patent.
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+
PATENTABILITY ANALYSIS | NOVELTY / OBVIOUSNESS 444 Patent:
NOVELTY Based on the description of the OpenPower System, and searches of relevant patent references, the IP Clinic’s opinion is that the USPTO would likely find the proposal to be novel. Relevant references were defined as U.S. Patent Documents: 7,164,255/ 7,374,444/7,741,734/7,825,543 and non-patented products Juno outlet adapter T33/Nora outlet adapter NT327/Eubiq ESS Power System.
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TRADEMARK The IP Law Clinic group studied trademark infringement of the name OpenPower. Their finding is that OpenPower is used by several products providing goods and services in similar Class 009, specifically #3064397 owned by IBM. The group concluded that this could present a potential problem in use or registration of the OpenPower mark. However their opinion is that this proposal’s goods and services are distinguishable from that of IBM’s therefore the mark OpenPower also has the potential to be used.
OpenPower
Open Source Home Electrical Solution
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PATENTABILITY ANALYSIS | TRADEMARK/ F.T.O. FREEDOM TO OPERATE
495 Patent:
The Freedom to Operate study offers an opinion on whether or not the product infringes on the claims of existing intellectual property. This study does not affect the patentability of the product, but limits the ability to sell the product without obtaining licensing rights from the IP holders. Through the search of relevant references, the group’s opinion was that U.S. Patent 6,906,495 – Contact-Less Power Transfer, has broad claims that could limit the freedom to operate of the OpenPower proposal. Specifically line 35 claims “a primary unit having a substantially laminar surface with at least one electrical conductor…” There was much debate over the definition of “substantially laminar surface” , and if the product continues to pursue production, this would need additional IP research.
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Engineering Analysis
FIXED HARDWIRE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION
ADAPTABLE CONTACTLESS POWER TRANSMITTER
50
ENGINEERING ANALYSIS | OVERVIEW The Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology contributed to the OpenPower proposal with engineering insight. Our team held several meetings and a brainstorming session to further develop the technical constraints of such a product. Prof. Ken Choi runs an electrical engineering lab at IIT that is focused on developing passive electrical systems for controlling circuits. Passive electricity is low power that is harnessed from radio waves. Prof. Choi showed excitement for the OpenPower system specifically in its potential to be a more sustainable home electrical distribution solution. The proposal is for the system to communicate with a Smart Grid electrical system through the use of passive electrical circuitry. In addition, the system better accommodates lower voltage systems that are becoming increasingly commonplace such as led lighting and USB power. Prof. Choi’s opinion is that the technology already exists for this proposal to become an actual product. Contactless energy transfer has been used for years, and the OpenPower proposal seems to be an innovative way to integrate this technology into mainstream use. The technology, however continues to evolve as contactless electrical transfer methods become more efficient. For this reason it was important to address the adaptability of the OpenPower system to accept future energy transfer technologies. The solution is a continuous hard wired distribution system that allows adaptable plates to be inserted into the track. 51
Diagram showing previous design iterations
52
ENGINEERING ANALYSIS |
EVOLUTION
Development in both patentability studies and engineering analysis led to an evolution from previous design concepts. The previous concept incorporated an analog track system that could be integrated into existing wall construction methods. Electricity was delivered via copper wires to a linear magnetic emitter bar. The system was designed to fit a typical 110v outlet module within the track depth, essentially concealing the outlet. Further development of the proposal led to the conclusion that the system should not be designed to cleanly incorporate 100v plugs. Considering that traditional plugs are an antiquated technology that according to this proposal, will soon be obsolete, it did not seem relevant to design specifically for them. In essence, it is not valid to propose a completely new home electrical distribution system based on the dimensional module of a plug developed over a century ago. The focus then shifted to making the profile of the system as compact as possible. The result is a track 1/8” thick and 1.5” tall. Modules only need to be as large as the plug that they are receiving. Therefore a typical module ‘patch’ size is 1.25” square.
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Implementation
IMPLEMENTATION | OVERVIEW Although primarily marketed to homeowners, this product will be purchased and installed by contractors which will provide great labor cost savings to their teams. It will become an industry standard and demanded by owners for all new residential and office interior wall construction. The system can also be easily implemented into older buildings with strained and dangerous electrical systems. The benefits to the owner are reduced costs, increased flexibility, and a higher standard of safety. The product is intended to be installed by electrical contractors, but there is potential that it could be prefabricated into wall panel systems. The product will be manufactured by an electrical manufacturing company and tested by the Underwriters Laboratory. The track system will be extruded out of either PVC plastic or aluminum. The modules will be built of fireresistant thermoset plastic. Coordination, testing, and licensing will be required to incorporate proprietary technologies such as ZigBee and WiTricity.
57
F-1
F-2
B-1
F-3 A-1
A-2
A-3
A-4
A-6 A-5 F-3 F-4 F-5
A-7 A-8
58
A-#
BASEBOARD SYSTEM
B-#
KITCHEN SYSTEM
C-#
BATHROOM/MIRROR SYSTEM
F-#
FIXED SYSTEM
PANEL
C-1
IMPLEMENTATION | SYSTEM DIAGRAM The system is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible by having a thin and non protruding profile surface mounted on walls. From a design standpoint, OpenPower then cleanly integrates into interior spaces. The size of the track also makes it possible to be integrated into other systems other than walls. The track can be integrated into millwork, countertops, baseboards, and other finish trim.
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60
IMPLEMENTATION |
KITCHEN: INTEGRATED BACKSPLASH
WALL ASSEMBLY OPEN POWER SYSTEM WITH MODULE BACKSPLASH WITH 1” x 1/8” DEEP RECESS COUNTERTOP
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62
IMPLEMENTATION |
BATHROOM: INTEGRATED MIRROR
WALL MIRROR
OPEN POWER SYSTEM WITH MODULE WALL ASSEMBLY COUNTERTOP
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IMPLEMENTATION |
INTEGRATED BASEBOARD
WALL ASSEMBLY OPEN POWER SYSTEM WITH MODULE WOOD BASEBOARD WITH 1” x 1/8” DEEP RECESS FLOOR
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Innovation Analysis
OpenPower System Network
68
Existing Home Electrical Network
INNOVATION ANALYSIS | OVERVIEW The idea of delivering electricity through a modular track system is not new. We see similar systems used for lighting large capacity bus duct power supply. However such a system has not been proposed for home outlets. This proposal offers several innovative concepts that improve the cost, efficiency, labor, and flexibility of interior electrical systems. There are also numerous precedent products that have a similar basic concept of flexibility, but are not yet used to distribute power to interior spaces.
There is an enormous quantity of unnecessary labor that goes into wiring the current fixed electrical systems. In municipalities that require conduit systems, there is even more labor and material involved. All of this is for a fixed system. To alter the system is expensive, so most homeowners will just run more extension cords. Outlets and switches are wired in parallel circuits, leading to an enormous quantity of wiring that is required to make all power distribute efficiently and safely. The proposed system for interior electrical wiring minimizes the amount of labor and materials required for providing power to spaces. Electricity is delivered via conduit to each room, and within each room is a horizontal band of power that allows power modules to be placed at convenient locations for the homeowner. Wiring to switches is eliminated, as wireless controls eliminate the need for hard-wiring. Where fixed ceiling lighting is required, the fixture is connected directly to the electrical panel, and is controlled with a wireless switch. The system promotes reducing the number of fixed ceiling fixtures, and instead promotes the use of flexible and adjustable lamps plugged in through wirelessly controlled switched outlet modules. 69
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INNOVATION ANALYSIS | INSTALLATION
WOOD STUDS GYPSUM WALLBOARD
The OpenPower system offers a completely new system of installation which reduces labor and material quantities, while increasing flexibility of the installation within different materials. Electrical wiring within walls is virtually eliminated, as the only connection required is from the track system to the electrical panel. This connection could be incorporated into a door, window, or other component promoting the use of alterative wall systems that do not need to accommodate wiring.
TRACK SYSTEM IS FLUSH MOUNTED ON WALL SURFACE, AND THEREFORE DOES NOT NEED TO BE INSTALLED PRIOR TO THE DRYWALL OR NEED TO COORDINATE WITH THE WALL CAVITY
The system also allows for a potentially more efficient wall system by allowing the entire cavity to be filled with insulation. If sound attenuation is a design consideration, this sealed system limits the penetrations through the partitions, and eliminates conflicts of back-to-back junction boxes. 71
MAGNETIC RESONANCE As wireless power is a relatively new technology, many questions are asked about its safety, efficiency, and reliability. The research and development of WiTricity has tested and answered most of these questions. The basic concept of the technology is that it uses emitter and receiver modules to transmit and receive electricity through a magnetic field. Because of this system, the largest limitation on efficiency is based on the distance of the receiver from the emitter. The OpenPower system uses maximum efficiency by actually putting the receiver of the module in to contact with the emitter. This concept guarantees maximum transmission efficiency while still giving the advantages of safety without live wires, variable voltage, and digitally controlled power resources.
POWER TRANSFER Magnetic fields interact very
weakly with biological organisms — people and animals — and are scientifically regarded to be safe.
EFFICIENCY Maximum efficiency is achieved when the devices are relatively close to one another, and can exceed
95%.
DISTANCE
0-2 METERS
CAPACITY
mW - kW
NON-OBSTRUCTIONS Most common building and furnishing materials are essentially “transparent” to magnetic field including:
WOOD GYPSUM BOARD PLASTICS TEXTILES GLASS PEOPLE However, metal walls will obstruct efficient transmission of power.
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INNOVATION ANALYSIS | WIRELESS POWER PERFORMANCE DATA Module Receiver
Copper Wires
Emitter ZigBee Controlled Module
Highly Resonant Strong Coupling Provides High Efficiency Over Distance Efficiency is defined as the amount of usable electrical energy that is available to the device being powered, In many applications, the efficiency of WiTricity can exceed 90%. And WiTricity sources only transfer energy when it is needed Energy Transfer via Magnetic Near Field Can Penetrate and Wrap Around Obstacles Most common building and furnishing materials, such as wood, gypsum wall board, plastics, textiles, glass, brick, and concrete are essentially “transparent” to magnetic fields— enabling WiTricity technology to efficiently transfer power through them Non-Radiative Energy Transfer is Safe for People and Animals WiTricity’s technology is a non-radiative mode of energy transfer, relying instead on the magnetic near field. Magnetic fields interact very weakly with biological organisms— people and animals—and are scientifically regarded to be safe Scalable Design Enables Solutions from milliwatts to Kilowatts WiTricity systems can be designed to handle a broad range of power levels. 73
ThinkGeek Wireless Extension Cords
Electric Toothbrush Charging Cradle
Wireless Device Charging Pad
WiTricity Wall Frame Emitter 74
INNOVATION ANALYSIS | PRECEDENT PRODUCTS MAGNETIC RESONANCE DEVICES There are already numerous products available that use magnetic resonance to transmit electricity. It is expected that the technology will become more commonplace over the next decade as the system becomes more efficient and affordable. WiTricity is starting to offer wall hung ‘picture frames’ as a magnetic power emitter. ThinkGeek has built a set of wireless extension cords that allow you to transmit power up to six feet. On a more everyday basis, electric toothbrushes feature magnetic resonance charging so that water does not get in to the electrical system. Also charging pads are available at most stores for wirelessly charging your small devices.
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INNOVATION ANALYSIS | PRECEDENT PRODUCTS TRACK POWER SYSTEMS Products similar in concept are available but have not been evolved to be used in this way. Large capacity bus duct systems and ceiling track lighting are examples of modular, flexible electrical solutions that readily exist in today’s market. Track Lighting is a method of lighting where light fixtures are attached anywhere on a continuous track device which contains electrical conductors. This is as opposed to the routing of electrical wiring to individual light positions. Tracks can be mounted to ceilings or walls, lengthwise down beams, or crosswise across rafters or joists. They can also be hung with rods from especially high places like vaulted ceilings. Many systems now simply use a single live and then use digital control interfaces such as DALI to control the fittings. This means that each fitting can be independently controlled. Line-voltage tracks with low-voltage fixtures. For these, each fixture requires a small transformer to operate it. For all low-voltage fixtures or systems a special dimmer (if used) is required, as standard dimmers are cheaply made and will cause flickering because of the interaction with the inductive electrical load. 77
Potential Impact
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POTENTIAL IMPACT |
OVERVIEW
The potential impact of this product to the building industry is large. The concept could revolutionize electrical engineering design, and installation methods for building utilities. It could be a reasonable and immediate way of implementing 21st century technology into existing construction methods. The impact on the homeowner is tremendous as well. Spaces will become more flexible, more ascetically pleasing, and safer. Nearly $1 billion dollars per year in property damages from electrical fires can be reduced by updating electrical systems in older buildings with the simple retrofit design. Insurance premiums could be reduced. There is also much opportunity in this concept for architectural impact. An open electrical system can allow open and flexible planning. The modular nature of the system allows runs to plug in to other runs. This can allow architects freedom to design self-contained modular wall systems that can be installed with the electrical supply already installed. Finally, there is the opportunity to design the linear system in an architectural mindset, very different than the clunky outlets and switches that we are limited to today. There is also a potential global impact. By re-thinking home electrical supply, we can begin to engage in concepts of smarter energy conservation. Technology such as smart grid electrical systems are only in their infancy, and creating an interior home system could potentially make the entire world’s electrical systems smarter by effectively diverting power only to where it is needed.
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First Concept Sketches - October 2010
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POTENTIAL IMPACT |
CONCLUSION
This study has traced the preliminary steps for developing and implementing a novel product and delivered an innovative proposal for disruptive technology in home electrical power distribution. The product began with a vague sketch of an idea that delivered home electricity through a system similar to track lighting. After much thought and research the proposal grew into an open-source modular power solution that incorporates the latest electrical technology, and it is designed to evolve as the power grid and electrical distribution systems gain in sophistication. Many factors have contributed to this evolution, including technological research, patent analysis, and engineering brainstorming sessions. In the event of further development of this proposal, additional research focused on the electrical trade, Underwriter’s Laboratory, and electrical building codes should be considered. Whether OpenPower or a similar concept is implemented in the future, only time will tell. Regardless, tremendous advances in electrical system technology have occurred over the last decade, and new systems to replace the antiquated hard-wired system are sure to come to market in the near future. It is possible that these technologies will leap over the linear distribution system, by providing wireless electricity throughout the home. The technology exists, it is merely a matter of implementation. Today the energy being dedicated to re-thinking electrical distribution will lead to more efficient use of our resources, increased safety, and a newer more sophisticated technology. 83
David P. Pollard, AIA LEED AP May 2011
OpenPower Open Source Home Electrical Solution