US 11,703,528 B2
Power cords that measure and report electrical energy consumption, and related hardwired apparatuses and methods
David Brian Phillips, Martinsville, IN (US); Steven Patrick Hinkel, California, KY (US); and Laura Lilienthal Black, Charlotte, NC (US)
Assigned to Duke Energy Corporation, Charlotte, NC (US)
Filed by Duke Energy Corporation, Charlotte, NC (US)
Filed on Jan. 26, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/158,389.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/966,277, filed on Jan. 27, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0231715 A1, Jul. 29, 2021
Int. Cl. H04B 3/46 (2015.01); H04B 3/54 (2006.01); H04W 4/38 (2018.01); G01R 22/06 (2006.01)
CPC G01R 22/065 (2013.01) [G01R 22/063 (2013.01); H04B 3/46 (2013.01); H04W 4/38 (2018.02)] 27 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A power cord comprising:
a plurality of wire conductors having respective opposite first and second ends, wherein the first ends of the plurality of wire conductors are directly connected to an apparatus;
a plug directly connected to the second ends of the plurality of wire conductors, the plug comprising a plurality of conductive prongs configured to be plugged into a power outlet;
measurement circuitry configured to measure electrical energy consumption by the apparatus, the measurement circuitry comprising a secondary conductor coiled around a portion of one of the plurality of wire conductors, wherein the portion is at least half a length of the one of the plurality of wire conductors, and wherein the secondary conductor induces a voltage and current that can be measured by the measurement circuitry; and
first transceiver circuitry configured to transmit data regarding the measured electrical energy consumption to second transceiver circuitry that is spaced apart from the power cord,
wherein the measurement circuitry and the first transceiver circuitry are inside the plug and/or inside a portion of the power cord that is adjacent the plug.