Modular power network device

Abstract

A modular system is described which can provide high frequency monitoring of power use and responsive control as well as enabling network connectivity for centralised monitoring and operation. One modular system consists of a communications bus, end caps, and a combination of the modules providing communications, power metering, relay control and battery backup. Each modular system can be configured with a combination of modular units as needed for the application. A combination of bus communication monitoring and tilt detection provides security against external tampering after installation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A module for a modular communication system comprising a tamper indicator, the tamper indicator comprising a detecting device that detects a change in position of the module. 
     
     
         2 . The module for a modular communication system of  claim 1 , wherein the module is mounted on a horizontal support. 
     
     
         3 . The module for a modular communication system of  claim 2 , wherein:
 (a) the detecting device is an accelerometer that detects a movement of the module in relation to the horizontal support; and wherein   (b) the movement is a tilting movement that is relative to an axis perpendicular to the horizontal support.   
     
     
         4 . The module for a modular communication system of  claim 3 , wherein the horizontal support is a DIN rail. 
     
     
         5 . The module for a modular communication system of  claim 4 , wherein the accelerometer is further configured to trigger an alarm upon detection of the tilting movement. 
     
     
         6 . The module for a modular communication system of  claim 3 , wherein the accelerometer is further configured to trigger an alarm when the module is tilted above a predetermined threshold angle relative to an axis perpendicular to the horizontal support. 
     
     
         7 . The module for a modular communication system of  claim 4 , wherein the accelerometer is further configured to trigger an alarm when the module is tilted above a predetermined threshold angle relative to an axis perpendicular to the DIN rail. 
     
     
         8 . A module for a modular communication system comprising a tamper indicator, the tamper indicator comprising a detecting device that detects a change in position of the module, wherein:
 (a) the module is mounted to a support element;   (b) the detecting device is an accelerometer that detects a tilting movement of the module in relation to an axis perpendicular to the support; and   (c) the accelerometer is further configured to trigger an alarm upon detection of the tilting movement.   
     
     
         9 . The module for a modular communication system of  claim 8 , wherein the accelerometer is further configured to trigger the alarm upon detection of the tilting movement above a predetermined angular threshold.