Security system for alternative energy supplies
AssigneeMerlin Gerin S.A. (Proprietary) Limited
InventorHermanus A. Bos
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Abstract
Use of prepayment mechanisms for alternative energy supply systems and monitoring connected devices. An energy supply system is, for instance, an alternative energy source, such as a photovoltaic array (320) and an overriding prepayment mechanism (312) adapted to control the supply of useable energy (electricity) to a point of use in accordance with predetermined prepayment criteria. The photovoltaic array (320) incorporates, integral therewith, an energy source controller (318) that is in communication with a corresponding controller (316) forming part of the prepayment mechanism (312).
Claims16
An energy supply system comprising:
- an alternative energy source adapted to collect energy and to convert the energy so collected to useable energy;
- an overriding prepayment mechanism adapted to control the supply of useable energy from the energy source to a point of use in accordance with predetermined prepayment criteria;
- and
- an energy source controller integrally incorporated in said energy source in communication with a corresponding controller forming part of the prepayment mechanism;
- the energy source controller operating to at least temporarily disable the output of useable energy from the energy source to the point of use on receipt of an appropriate communication from the prepayment mechanism controller.
A method of controlling an energy supply system comprising the steps of:
- providing an alternative energy source adapted to collect energy and to convert the energy so collected to useable energy;
- providing an overriding prepayment mechanism adapted to control the supply of useable energy from the alternative energy source to a point of use in accordance with predetermined prepayment criteria;
- integrating into the energy source an energy source controller;
- providing a corresponding controller as part of the prepayment mechanism;
- transmitting a communications signal between the energy source controller and the prepayment mechanism controller;
- and
- disabling, at least temporarily, the output of useable energy from the energy source on receipt, by the energy source controller, of an appropriate communication from the prepayment mechanism controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.