Power outage and restoration detection for multiple metering nodes in a mesh network

Abstract

A system is provided for detecting power state changes (such as power outages or power restorations) at a multi-meter node associated with a power distribution network. For example, the multi-meter node associated with the power distribution network can be configured to detect power state change events occurring at said node, such as power outage events or power restoration events. Based on the type of event, a communication module of the multi-meter node identifies the meters included in the multi-meter node that are affected by the event, such as meters that become unpowered due to a power outage event or meters that become powered due to a power restoration event. The communication module generates a merged power state change message for the affected meters and transmits the message to a headend system via a mesh network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the detection and transmission of power outages and restorations for meters in a multi-meter node. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the detection and generation of merged messages for the detection and restoration of power outages for multiple meters in a multi-meter node. Background Technology

[0002] In power distribution networks, tracking power outages during distribution operations is crucial for utility companies, including the location and time of outages and the time it takes for power to be restored. This type of information helps utility companies take action to improve the distribution network, such as dispatching technicians to repair problems associated with power outages and analyzing outage data for system reconfiguration.

[0003] To efficiently collect power outage and restoration information, utility companies utilize smart meters deployed at various locations within the distribution network. When a power outage occurs at a location, the meter deployed at that location is configured to generate a message and send it via a mesh network to a headend system associated with the utility company. By parsing the power outage message, the utility company can identify the specific meter affected by the power outage and its location.

[0004] However, such methods are inefficient and ineffective in scenarios involving multiple meter nodes (such as rack meters)—where multiple meters are deployed in the same location. In rack meters, multiple meters are installed within the rack along with a single communication module. When a power outage occurs at the rack meter, such as a phase of the power supply losing power, some meters in the rack may be affected while others are not. However, existing rack meters cannot identify affected meters unless there is a power outage across the entire rack meter, i.e., all three phases of the power supply are lost. A possible solution is to add a communication module to each meter in the multi-meter node, so that when a meter suffers a power outage, the corresponding communication module can generate and send a power outage message. Besides adding complexity to the multi-meter node, such a solution is also inefficient because it sends multiple power outage messages for a single power outage over a mesh network. Similar problems exist when meters are used to detect and transmit power restoration. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects and examples of apparatus and processes for detecting and generating merged messages for power outages and restorations of multiple meters in a multi-meter node are disclosed. For example, a method for detecting and reporting power outages and restorations in a mesh network includes obtaining the power status of a power source at a node of the mesh network. The node includes a communication module and multiple meters connected to a three-phase power source. The communication module of the node determines whether a power outage has occurred at the node based on the power status of the power source by determining whether at least one phase of the power source has lost power. In response to determining that a power outage has occurred, the communication module identifies two or more meters connected to the at least one phase that no longer supply power after the at least one phase loses power. The communication module generates a power outage message indicating that the two or more meters have experienced a power outage and transmits the power outage message to a headend system via the mesh network.

[0006] In another example, a network node includes multiple meters connected to a three-phase power supply and a communication module. The communication module includes a processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions and a memory configured to store the computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include obtaining the power state of the power supply at the node. The operations further include determining, based on the power state of the power supply, whether a phase of the power supply has lost or regained power, whether a power state change event has occurred at the node. In response to determining that a power state change event has occurred, the operations further include identifying two or more meters connected to the phase that have changed from off-power to powered or from powered to off-power due to the power state change event. The operations further include generating a power state change message for the two or more meters indicating that the two or more meters have a power state change, and transmitting the power state change message to a headend system via the network.

[0007] In an additional example, a device for detecting and reporting power outages and restorations in a mesh network is provided. The device includes a processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions and a memory configured to store the computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include obtaining the power state of a power source at the device and determining, based on the power state of the power source, whether a power state change event has occurred at the device. This determination is performed by determining whether at least one phase of the power source has lost or regained power. In response to determining that a power state change event has occurred, the operations include identifying two or more meters connected to the at least one phase that have changed from being unpowered to powered or from powered to unpowered due to the power state change event. The two or more meters are associated with the device. The operations further include generating a power state change message for the two or more meters indicating that the two or more meters have experienced a power state change, and transmitting the power state change message to a headend system via a network.

[0008] The mention of these illustrative aspects and features is not intended to limit or define the subject matter currently described, but rather to provide examples to aid in understanding the concepts described in this application. Other aspects, advantages, and features of the subject matter currently described will become clear upon review of the entire application. Attached Figure Description

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood when reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an illustrative operating environment for detecting power outages and restorations at multi-meter nodes in a mesh network, according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating aspects of a multi-meter node according to certain aspects of this disclosure, the multi-meter node being configured to detect and transmit power outages and restorations associated with individual meters at the multi-meter node.

[0012] Figure 3A This is a diagram illustrating examples of meters that, according to certain aspects of this disclosure, become unpowered meters due to different power outage events.

[0013] Figure 3B This is a diagram illustrating examples of meters that have been converted into power supply meters due to different power restoration events, according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an example of a state transition diagram for a multi-meter node according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 This is an example of a process for detecting and transmitting power outages and restorations occurring at multi-meter nodes, according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a communication module suitable for implementing the technologies and techniques presented herein. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Systems and methods are provided for detecting power outages or restorations associated with meters in a multi-meter node and for transmitting power outage or restoration information over a mesh network in which the multi-meter nodes reside. For example, multi-meter nodes (such as cabinet meters) deployed at a distribution network location are configured to detect power outages (or restorations) occurring at that location. The multi-meter node can detect a power outage (or restoration) by detecting a power outage (or restoration) associated with one or more phases of power supplied to the node. Based on the detected (multi)phase and the configuration of the multi-meter node, such as the connections between the multi-meter and the power supply phase, the multi-meter node determines the specific meter that has changed from a power supply meter to a non-power supply meter due to a power outage or from a non-power supply meter to a power supply meter due to a power restoration. The multi-meter node further generates a merged power outage or restoration message for those affected meters and transmits the power outage (or restoration) message to a headend system via the mesh network.

[0018] The techniques described in this disclosure increase the efficiency and accuracy of power outage and restoration detection and network communication. By detecting the (multi)phase associated with a power outage (or restoration), multi-meter nodes can identify the meters connected to the (multi)phase, thus identifying the individual meters affected by the power outage (or restoration). In this way, multi-meter nodes can generate and transmit power outage messages only for those meters affected by power state change events. Furthermore, by generating a merged power outage (or restoration) message instead of generating a message for each meter, the bandwidth consumption of the mesh network through which the message is transmitted is reduced. This reduction in network resource consumption is important for mesh networks with limited bandwidth. Moreover, by automatically generating a power outage (or restoration) message when it is detected, power outage (or restoration) notification to headend systems can be provided in real-time or near real-time. This allows utility companies to reduce the time required to respond to power outages in distribution networks and reduce resource waste; for example, detecting power restoration before dispatching a maintenance team can avoid dispatching one.

[0019] Figure 1An illustrative network 100 is shown, in which multiple meter nodes can detect power outages or restorations occurring at their respective multiple meter nodes and generate merged power status change messages to the headend system. Figure 1 The network 100 shown includes a mesh network 102 formed by a plurality of nodes 112A-112H (which may be individually referred to as node 112 or collectively referred to as node 112 herein). Node 112 may include a measurement node for collecting data from the respective deployment location of the node, a processing node for processing data available to the node, a router node for forwarding data received from one node in the mesh network 100 to another node, or a node configured to perform a combination of these functions.

[0020] In one example, mesh network 102 is associated with a distribution network to deliver measurements or other data obtained in the distribution network. In this example, node 112 includes an electricity meter, also referred to herein as a “meter,” which is implemented to measure various operating characteristics of the distribution network and transmits the collected data via mesh network 102 to root nodes 114A and 114B (which may be individually referred to herein as root node 114 or collectively as root node 114).

[0021] The root node 114 of the mesh network 102 can be configured to communicate with node 112 to perform operations such as managing node 112, collecting data from node 112, and forwarding data to headend system 104. Root node 114 can also be configured to act as a node that measures and processes the data itself. Root node 114 can be a Personal Area Network (PAN) coordinator, gateway, or any other device capable of communicating with headend system 104. Root node 114 ultimately transmits the generated and collected data to headend system 104 via one or more additional networks 120. Headend system 104 can act as a central processing system that receives data streams or messages from root node 114. Headend system 104 can process the collected data or enable the collected data to be processed for various applications.

[0022] In one example, one or more nodes 112 are multi-meter nodes, such as rack meters. In a rack meter, multiple meters are installed in a rack along with a single communication module. The meters can be single-phase or multi-phase meters. In some implementations, the multi-meter node 112 is configured to identify individual meters affected by a power outage event or a power restoration event—collectively referred to as a “power state change event”. The multi-meter node 112 then generates a merged message for the multiple affected meters. If the power state change event involves a power outage, the multi-meter node 112 generates and sends a merged power outage message 108 for the multiple affected meters. If the power state change event involves a power restoration, the multi-meter node 112 generates and sends a merged power restoration message 110.

[0023] Multi-meter node 112 sends the generated message to root node 114, which in turn forwards it to headend system 104. Headend system 104 can use the received power outage message 108 and power restoration message 110 for various applications. For example, headend system 104 can generate a power outage map and a power line maintenance alarm based on the received messages. Headend system 104 can also analyze the received messages to identify problems associated with specific locations in the distribution network. For example, if a multi-meter node 112 receives power outage messages more frequently than other nodes in the network, headend system 104 can determine that there is a potential problem with the power lines or distribution equipment near the location of that multi-meter node 112, and further action is needed to address the potential problem. (See below for reference.) Figure 2-6 Additional details are described regarding the detection and transmission of power state changes associated with meters in the multi-meter node 112.

[0024] It should be understood that although the description provided herein focuses on node 112, the mechanism for detecting and transmitting changes in power state associated with multiple meters can be utilized by any node in mesh network 102, including node 112, root node 114, or any other node in network 100 associated with multiple meters. Furthermore, although Figure 1 A specific network topology (e.g., DODAG tree) is described, but other network topologies are also possible (e.g., ring topology, mesh topology, star topology, etc.).

[0025] Now for reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 The illustration shows aspects of a multimeter node 112 according to certain examples of this disclosure, which is configured to detect and transmit power outages and restorations associated with individual meters of the multimeter node 112. Figure 2The multi-meter node 112 shown includes a metering module 202 and a communication module 204. The metering module 202 includes multiple meters 220A-220E (which may be individually referred to herein as meter 220 or collectively as meter 220). Meters 220 can be single-phase meters or multi-phase meters. Single-phase meters are connected to one of the three phases of the power supply, while multi-phase meters are connected to multiple phases of the power supply. Each meter 220 is configured to measure operating characteristics associated with the power distribution network, such as power consumption, peak voltage, minimum voltage, load changes, or any combination thereof.

[0026] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, meters 220A and 220B are single-phase meters connected to phases A and B of the power supply, respectively. Meters 220C and 220E are multiphase meters, where meter 220C is a two-phase meter connected to phases A and C of the power supply, and meter 220E is a three-phase meter connected to all three phases of the power supply. In some configurations, a multiphase meter can be implemented by connecting two or three single-phase meters. For example, a two-phase meter 220C can be implemented by connecting two single-phase meters, one connected to phase A and the other to phase C. Similarly, a three-phase meter 220E can be constructed by connecting three single-phase meters connected to phases A, B, and C, respectively.

[0027] Figure 2 The multi-meter node 112 shown also includes a metering processing unit 210 configured to manage and communicate with multiple meters 220 in the multi-meter node 112. The processor 210 includes a power module 206 connected to and receiving power from a power distribution network (not shown). The power module 206 is also configured to monitor the phase state of the power supplied by the power distribution network. Through the power module 206, the metering processing unit 210 can detect changes in the power state of one or more phases of the power supply. The metering processing unit 210 can be configured to generate a signal if a power loss is detected in one or more phases. This signal can specify the phase(s) that lost power. Similarly, if the power module detects that one or more phases have been restored, the metering processing unit 210 can also generate a signal indicating that power has been restored to the phase(s).

[0028] The metering processing unit 210 further includes a communication interface 208 configured to facilitate communication between the metering processing unit 210 and the meters 220. In one example, the communication interface 208 provides fiber optic communication between the metering processing unit 210 and each meter 220. Through the communication interface 208, the metering processing unit 210 can communicate with each meter 220 to determine information associated with the meter 220. For example, the metering processing unit 210 can determine the (multi)phase connected to each meter 220. In some implementations, the metering module 202 includes multiple slots to hold the meters 220. For example, the metering module 202 may include 12 slots, each connected to one of the three phases of the power supply and configured to hold a single-phase meter. Depending on the type of multiphase meter, a multiphase meter may occupy two or three slots. Each slot is assigned a serial number, and the metering processing unit 210 can obtain this serial number through the communication interface 208. Based on the serial numbers of the slots occupied by the meter(s) 220, the metering processing unit 210 can identify the slot(s) occupied by the meter(s) 220 and the phase(s) connected to the meter(s). The metering processing unit 210 can also obtain the serial number of each meter(s) 220 via the communication interface 208. Based on the collected information, the metering processing unit 210 can generate meter phase data 212 to maintain the information of the meter(s) 220 and its associated phase information. When the meter(s) 220 is inserted into or removed from a slot, the metering processing unit 210 can update the meter phase data 212 to reflect the change.

[0029] Figure 2 The multi-meter node 112 shown further includes a communication module 204 configured to detect changes in power state associated with each meter 220 in the metering module 202 and generate a message to transmit such power state changes to the headend system 104. The communication module 204 communicates with the metering processing unit 210 to obtain information such as meter phase data 212, thereby associating the meter 220 with the phase of the power supply, the power state of each phase of the power supply, the meter serial number, the meter slot of the metering module 202, etc.

[0030] When multiple meter nodes 112 are installed at a property, communication module 204 is configured to register metering module 202 with headend system 104 after power-on. In one example, communication module 204 obtains meter registration information from metering processing unit 210. Meter registration information includes, for example, the serial number or other identifier of meter 220 or meter slot of metering module 202, customer information associated with each meter 220, or a combination thereof. Communication module 204 obtains registration information and other meter-related information from metering module 202. For example, metering processing unit 210 can obtain meter-related information by communicating with meter 220 via communication interface 208. Communication module 204 transmits the registration information to headend system 104 via mesh network 102. Headend system 104 can store the registration information for purposes such as billing or maintenance.

[0031] When the multi-meter node 112 is in operation, the communication module 204 is configured to periodically communicate with the metering processing unit 210 to obtain information such as measurement data generated by the meter 220. The communication module 204 also periodically obtains meter phase data 212 from the metering processing unit 210, enabling the communication module 204 to maintain an updated copy of the meter phase data 212 for use in generating power state change messages.

[0032] As discussed above, if a power state change associated with a power source occurs, the metering processing unit 210 generates a signal indicating the change and the phase associated with it. For example, if phase A of the power source loses power, the metering processing unit 210 generates a signal indicating that phase A has lost power. The communication module 204 receives such a signal from the metering processing unit 210 and identifies the meter 220 affected by the power state change. In scenarios where all three phases lose power, the metering processing unit 210 may become unpowered and therefore unable to generate a power loss signal. In those scenarios, the communication module 204 can be configured to detect power loss by detecting a state change on the connection line between the metering processing unit 210 and the communication module 204, such as a change from a high-voltage state to a low-voltage state.

[0033] Based on the determination of the power state change, communication module 204 can generate a power state change message, namely a power outage message 108 or a power restoration message 110, for the affected meters. In a scenario where all three phases of the multi-meter node 112 lose power, communication module 204 may be able to operate for a short period of time before shutdown, such as by using power stored in internal capacitors. During this short period, communication module 204 can identify the affected meters, generate and send the power outage message 108. Alternatively or additionally, communication module 204 can generate a message and send it to headend system 104 indicating that all phases at the multi-meter node 112 are shut down.

[0034] According to some aspects of this disclosure, a meter is considered to have a power outage if all phases to which it is connected lose power, and thus the meter becomes an unpowered meter. In other words, as long as the phase to which the meter is connected still has power, the meter is considered to be powered and there is no power outage. Therefore, if the phase to which a single-phase meter is connected loses power, the single-phase meter has a power outage. However, for a multi-phase meter, if only one phase to which the meter is connected loses power, the meter is not considered to have a power outage.

[0035] Similarly, if the change in state of power is a restoration of power in one or more phases, some meters may have power restoration, meaning they change from a state of no power supply to a state of power supply due to power restoration. For example, for a meter of no power supply, where none of the phases connected to the meter have power, power restoration occurs when the first phase regains power. Likewise, if a power source loses power in all three phases but later regains power in phase A, meters with power restoration include all single-phase or multi-phase meters connected to phase A, even if the remaining phases of a multi-phase meter are still without power.

[0036] Figure 3A This is a diagram illustrating a table according to certain aspects of this disclosure, showing examples of meters that have become unpowered meters due to different power outage events. Figure 3AIn the example shown, the leftmost column displays the previous power state, and the remaining columns display different current power state change events at multimeter node 112. The remaining entries in the table show the meters that become unpowered meters due to the current power loss event when multimeter node 112 has a corresponding previous power state. For example, if the previous power state of multimeter node 112 is "no power loss" and the current power state change event is "two-phase shutdown (A+B)", then table entry 302 lists the unpowered meters resulting from the current power outage event. In this example, phases A and B are the two phases that lost power. In this case, the resulting unpowered meters—i.e., meters considered to have suffered a power outage due to the power loss of phases A and B—include single-phase meters connected to phase A or phase B, and two-phase meters connected to phases A and B. Note that two-phase meters connected to phases A and C or phases B and C, as well as three-phase meters, are not considered to have suffered a power loss because they still receive power from phase C.

[0037] In another example, if the previous power state was "two-phase off (B+C)" and the current event is "one-phase off (A)", then table entry 304 lists the meters that have become power-off meters due to such an event. In this example, phases B and C are the two phases that previously lost power, and phase A is the phase that lost power in the current event. In this case, the resulting power-off meters include single-phase meters connected to phase A, two-phase meters connected to phases A and B or phases A and C, and three-phase meters. Note that single-phase meters connected to phases B or C are not affected by the current event because they were already in a power-off state before the current event occurred. Similarly, two-phase meters connected to phases B and C are also not affected by the current power-off event on phase A. The remaining table entries list the power-off meters resulting from other combinations of the previous power state and current event of the multi-meter node 112.

[0038] It should be noted that, although Figure 3A The tables use certain phases as examples to illustrate events and previous power states, but when an event occurs, these example phases can be replaced with actual phases to determine the set of meters that transition from a power supply meter to a power outage meter or vice versa. For example, if the current event is a power loss on a single phase C, and the previous power state was a phase malfunction on phase B, the meters transitioning to a power outage meter can be determined by replacing A with C and C with B in the set of meters listed in table entry 306. As a result, the power outage meters obtained from the event in this example include a single-phase meter on phase C and two-phase meters on phases C and B.

[0039] Figure 3BThis is a diagram illustrating a table according to certain aspects of this disclosure, showing examples of meters that have been converted to power supply meters due to different power restoration events. Similar to... Figure 3A The table shown, Figure 3B The leftmost column of the table shows the previous power state, and the remaining columns show the current power state change event at multimeter node 112. The remaining entries of the table show the resulting power supply meters when multimeter node 112 has a corresponding combination of the previous power state and the current power restoration event. For example, if the previous power state of multimeter node 112 is "three-phase off" (i.e., no power on any phases), and the current power state change event is "two-phase restored (A+B)", then table entry 312 lists the power supply meters resulting from the current event. In this example, phases A and B are the two phases that have regained power. The affected meters—that is, the meters that are considered to have regained power due to the power restoration on phases A and B—include single-phase meters connected to phases A or B. The resulting power supply meters also include all two-phase and three-phase meters, because at least one phase of these meters has regained power.

[0040] Figure 3B The remaining table entries shown can be used to determine the power supply metering resulting from other combinations of the previous power state and current power restoration events of multi-meter node 112. Similar to... Figure 3A When a power restoration event occurs, Figure 3B The example phases used in the table shown can be replaced with the actual phases involved at the multi-meter node 112 to determine the set of meters that are converted into power supply meters.

[0041] Return to reference Figure 2 After identifying the affected meters, communication module 204 can generate merged power status change messages for these meters. If the event is a power loss event, a merged power outage message 108 can be generated for meters that become unpowered due to the power loss event. If the event is a power restoration event, a merged power restoration message 110 can be generated for meters that become powered due to the power restoration event. In this way, communication module 204 can reduce the number of messages sent to headend system 104, because, for example, when a three-phase meter regains power in each phase, only one message is sent for the three-phase meter instead of three messages. In some implementations, power outage message 108 and power restoration message 110 include, among other information, the serial number or other identifier of the resulting powered or unpowered meter and a timestamp of the associated event. Communication module 204 transmits power outage message 108 or power restoration message 110 to headend system 104 via mesh network 102.

[0042] The headend system 104 can use the received power outage message 108 or power restoration message 110 to determine whether the power supply or non-power supply is a result of a change in power status. By utilizing registration information received when installing the multi-meter node 112, the headend system 104 can determine the location of power loss or restoration. Depending on the message type, information included in or derived from the received message can facilitate the headend system 104 in generating a power outage map, determining the location of power outages, setting maintenance schedules, or withdrawing maintenance personnel upon detection of power restoration.

[0043] It should be understood that, although Figure 2 The metering module 202 is shown to have a metering processing unit separate from the meter 220, but other configurations are possible. For example, each meter may include its own metering processing unit, and these metering processing units may collectively perform the functionality of the metering processing unit 210 described above. Alternatively or additionally, the communication module 204 may communicate with each metering processing unit to obtain information for detecting changes in the state of power associated with each meter 220 in the multi-meter node 112.

[0044] Now for reference Figure 4 This example describes a state transition diagram with multiple meter nodes. Figure 4 As shown, the multimeter node 112 can operate in one of four states: "All phases on" state 402, "One phase off" state 404, "Two phases off" state 406, and "All phases off" state 408. If the power source is providing power normally on all three phases, the multimeter node 112 operates in the "All phases on" state 202. If one of the three phases of the power source loses power, the multimeter node 112 operates in the "One phase off" state 204. Similarly, if two of the three phases of the power source lose power, the multimeter node 112 operates in the "Two phases off" state 206. When the power source loses power on all three phases, the multimeter node 112 operates in the "Power off" state 208.

[0045] When the multi-meter node 112 transitions from one state to another, the communication module 204 generates a power state change message (power outage message 108 or power restoration message 110) for the resulting powered or unpowered meters. For example, if one of the three phases of the power supply loses power in the "all phases on" state 402, the multi-meter node 112 transitions from the "all phases on" state 402 to the "one phase off" state 404. The multi-meter node 112 generates a power outage message 108 for the meters that become unpowered due to the power outage of that phase. The multi-meter node 112 can determine the resulting unpowered meters by identifying the meters that were powered before the transition but became unpowered after the transition. Figure 3A The table entry 308 shown lists examples of the resulting unpowered meters. The communication module 204 generates a power outage message 108 for these resulting unpowered meters and transmits the message to the headend system 104.

[0046] If power is lost on one more phase, the multi-meter node 112 transitions from a "one-phase off" state 404 to a "two-phase off" state 406. The communication module 204 can then re-determine the resulting unpowered meter through this transition, treating it as a meter that was powered before the transition but became unpowered afterward. Figure 3A The table entry 306 shown lists examples of the power outage meters resulting from these results. The communication module 204 generates another power outage message 108 for these power outage meters and transmits the message to the headend system 104.

[0047] If, in the "one phase off" state 404, power is restored to the off phase, then the multi-meter node 112 transitions back to the "all phases on" state 402. The communication module 204 identifies meters that were not powered by any connected phase before the transition but become powered (i.e., connected to at least one phase with power) after the transition. Figure 3B Example power meter readings obtained from these results are listed in table entry 314 shown. Communication module 204 generates a power restoration message 110 for these power meter readings and transmits the message to headend system 104.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, depending on the previous state and the current power state change event of the multi-meter node 112, the multi-meter node 112 can transition between other states. In response to each transition, the communication module 204 identifies the resulting powered or unpowered meter, generates a power state change message, and sends it to the headend system 104 for further processing.

[0049] Figure 5This is an example of a process 500 for detecting and transmitting power outages and restorations occurring at multi-meter nodes, according to certain aspects of this disclosure. One or more nodes of the mesh network 102 (e.g., multi-meter node 112 or multi-meter root node 114) implement this by executing appropriate program code in the communication module 204 of the multi-meter node. Figure 5 The operations described herein. For illustrative purposes, process 500 is described with reference to certain examples depicted in the various figures. However, other implementations are possible.

[0050] At block 502, process 500 involves registering meters in a multi-meter node with the headend system 104. The multi-meter node performs registration by collecting information about the meters. This information may include, for example, the serial number or other identifier of the meter slot of meter 220 or metering module 202, the house address associated with each meter 220, other customer information associated with each meter 220, or any combination thereof. The communication module 204 of the multi-meter node generates a registration message including the registration information and sends it to the headend system 104.

[0051] At block 504, process 500 involves communicating with metering module 202 of multiple meter nodes to obtain data associated with or obtained at metering module 202, including meter phase data 212, power state data indicating changes in power state at the power source, measurement data, and other data. As discussed in detail above, if metering processing unit 210 of metering module 202 detects a power loss at power module 206, metering processing unit 210 generates signals indicating such a power loss and associated (multi)phase. Similarly, if metering processing unit 210 detects a power recovery at one or more phases of the power source, metering processing unit 210 generates signals indicating a power recovery and associated (multi)phase. Communication module 204 can be configured to receive these signals as they are generated, such that communication module 204 can detect power loss or recovery in real time or near real time and transmit it to headend system 104.

[0052] At block 506, process 500 involves determining, based on the acquired data, whether any power state change event has been detected at metering module 202. Communication module 204 can make such a determination by determining whether a power loss signal or a power restoration signal has been received from metering module 202. If not, process 500 proceeds to block 507 to process the acquired data if necessary. For example, communication module 204 can generate a message including measurement data at each meter and send the message to headend system 104. Communication module 204 can also send or cause other communication modules to send measurement data to other devices, including home displays. Process 500 then proceeds to block 504 to receive additional data from metering module 202.

[0053] If communication module 204 determines at block 506 that a power state change event exists, then process 500 involves identifying, at block 508, the power supply or non-power supply meter resulting from the power state change event. In some implementations, and as mentioned above... Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B In detail, communication module 204 identifies the unpowered meters resulting from a power loss event as those meters that were powered by at least one phase of the power source before the event but were not powered after the event. If the power state change event is a power restoration event, then communication module 204 identifies the resulting powered meters as those meters that were not powered before the event but were powered by at least one phase after the power restoration event. Communication module 204 can determine the resulting powered or unpowered meters based on meter phase data 212 describing the connection between the meter and the individual phase of the power source. Figure 4 As shown, the communication module 204 further determines the resulting powered or unpowered meter based on the state before and after the power state change event.

[0054] At box 510, process 500 involves generating a merged power status change message for the resulting powered or unpowered meter. If the power status change involves a power loss, communication module 204 generates a merged power outage message 108. If the power status change involves a power restoration, communication module 204 generates a merged power restoration message 110. In some examples, the power status change message includes the serial number or other identifier of the resulting powered or unpowered meter, and a timestamp of the power status change event.

[0055] At block 512, process 500 involves transmitting a power status change message to headend system 104 via mesh network 102. Process 500 then proceeds to block 504, where communication module 204 continues to receive data from metering module 202.

[0056] It should be understood that while the above disclosure focuses on generating a single power state change message for the resulting power supply or non-power supply meter, more than one message can be generated for a power state change event. For example, two power outage messages 108 can be generated for a power outage event: one for the resulting power supply or non-power supply single-phase meter and one for the resulting power supply or non-power supply multi-phase meter. Other methods for generating one or more power state change messages can be utilized.

[0057] Exemplary node

[0058] Figure 6 An exemplary communication module 600 is illustrated, which can be used to implement the power state change detection and transmission described herein. Communication module 600 may include a processor 602, a memory 604, and a transceiver device 620, each communicatively coupled via a bus 610. The components of communication module 600 may be powered by an A / C power supply or a low-power source such as a battery (not shown). Transceiver device 620 may include (or be communicatively coupled to) an antenna 608 for communicating with other nodes. In some examples, the transceiver device is a radio frequency (“RF”) transceiver for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals.

[0059] The processor may include a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a state machine, a field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”), or other suitable computing device. The processor may include any number of computing devices and may be communicatively coupled to a computer-readable medium, such as memory 604. Processor 602 may execute computer-executable program instructions or access information stored in memory to perform operations, such as meter phase data 212 described herein. Instructions may include processor-specific instructions generated by a compiler and / or interpreter from code written in any suitable computer programming language. When instructions (such as those provided in communication module 204) are executed, they may configure communication module 600 to perform any of the operations described herein. Although the processor, memory, bus, and transceiver devices are... Figure 6 The components are described as independent parts that communicate with each other, but other implementations are possible. The systems and components discussed in this paper are not limited to any particular hardware architecture or configuration.

[0060] General Principles

[0061] Numerous specific details have been set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatus, or systems that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the claimed subject matter.

[0062] The features discussed herein are not limited to any particular hardware architecture or configuration. A computing device may include any suitable arrangement of components that provides a result conditioned on one or more inputs. Suitable computing devices include multipurpose microprocessor-based computer systems that access stored software (i.e., computer-readable instructions stored in the computer system's memory) that programs or configures the computing system from a general-purpose computing device to a dedicated computing device that implements one or more aspects of this subject. Any suitable programming, scripting, or other type of language or combination of languages ​​may be used to implement the teachings contained herein in the software to be used when programming or configuring the computing device.

[0063] The aspects of the methods disclosed herein can be executed in the operation of such a computing device. The order of the boxes presented in the example above can be changed; for example, the boxes can be reordered, combined, and / or divided into sub-boxes. Some boxes or procedures can be executed in parallel.

[0064] The use of “adapted to” or “configured to” in this document is intended to be open-ended and inclusive, and does not preclude a device from being adapted to or configured to perform additional tasks or steps. Additionally, the use of “based on” is also intended to be open-ended and inclusive, because a process, step, calculation, or other action “based on” one or more stated conditions or values ​​may actually be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those stated conditions or values. The headings, lists, and numbering included in this document are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be restrictive.

[0065] While this subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific aspects, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon understanding the foregoing, can readily make changes, variations, and equivalents to such aspects. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes rather than for limitation, and does not exclude modifications, variations, and / or additions to this subject matter that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for detecting and reporting power outages and restorations in a mesh network, the method comprising: The power status of the power source at the node is obtained by the communication module of the node in the mesh network. The node includes a communication module and multiple meters connected to the power source, and the power source includes three phases. The communication module determines whether a power outage has occurred at the node by determining whether at least one phase of the power supply has lost power, based on the power status of the power supply. In response to determining that a power outage has occurred, the communication module identifies two or more meters of the plurality of meters that are connected to the at least one phase and no longer supply power after the at least one phase loses power; The communication module generates a power outage message indicating that the two or more meters have experienced a power outage; as well as The communication module transmits a power outage message to the headend system via a mesh network.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of meters includes a single-phase meter connected to one phase of the power supply or a multi-phase meter connected to more than one phase of the power supply.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the node further comprises a metering processing unit connected to the power supply and configured to communicate with a communication module, and wherein obtaining the power status of the power supply comprises receiving from the metering processing unit a signal indicating that one phase of the power supply has lost power.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein obtaining the power state of the power supply further comprises detecting a change in the state of the connection between the metering processing unit and the communication module to determine that all phases of the power supply have lost power.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising generating the power outage message by generating a message indicating that all phases of the power supply have lost power in response to determining that all phases of the power supply have lost power.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising obtaining meter phase data identifying meters associated with each phase of the power supply, wherein the meter phase data is used to determine the two or more meters connected to the at least one phase and no longer supplying power after the at least one phase loses power.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the power outage messages includes a timestamp of the power outage and identifiers of the two or more meters that suffered the power outage.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The communication module determines whether power restoration has occurred by determining whether the phase monitored by the power supply has been restored, based on the power status of the power supply. In response to determining that power restoration has occurred, the communication module identifies two or more meters among the plurality of meters that are connected to the phase with restored power and that were not powered before the phase was restored. The communication module generates a power restoration message for the two or more meters, indicating that power has been restored to the two or more meters; as well as The power restoration message is transmitted to the headend system via a mesh network by the communication module.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The power outage message can be used by the headend system to generate a power outage map of the distribution network.

10. A network node, comprising: Multiple meters connected to a power supply including three-phase power; and The communication module includes: The processor is configured to execute computer-readable instructions; The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations including: Obtain the power status of the power source at the node; Based on the power state of the power source, it is determined whether a power state change event has occurred at the node by determining whether at least one phase of the power source has lost or regained power. In response to determining that a power state change event has occurred, identify two or more meters of the plurality of meters that are connected to the at least one phase and have changed from not supplying power to supplying power or from supplying power to not supplying power due to the power state change event; Generate a power state change message for the two or more meters indicating that the two or more meters have a change in power state; and The power state change message is transmitted to the headend system via the network.

11. The node of claim 10, wherein the power state change event includes a power outage event, and wherein one of the power state change messages includes a power outage message.

12. The node of claim 10, wherein the power state change event includes a power recovery event, and wherein one of the power state change messages includes a power recovery message.

13. The node of claim 10, wherein the plurality of meters comprises a single-phase meter connected to one phase of the power supply, or a multi-phase meter connected to more than one phase of the power supply.

14. The node of claim 10, wherein obtaining the power state of the power source at the node includes receiving a signal indicating that a phase of the power source has lost power or a signal indicating that a phase of the power source has regained power.

15. The node according to claim 10, wherein, A power state change message includes a timestamp of the power state change event and identifiers of the two or more meters.

16. An apparatus for detecting and reporting power outages and restorations in a mesh network, comprising: The processor is configured to execute computer-readable instructions; and The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations including: Obtain the power status of the power supply at the device; Based on the power state of the power source, it is determined whether a power state change event has occurred at the device by determining whether at least one phase of the power source has lost or regained power. In response to determining that a power state change event has occurred, two or more meters of a plurality of meters connected to the at least one phase and which have changed from not powered to powered or from powered to not powered due to the power state change event are identified, and the plurality of meters are associated with the device. Generate a power state change message for the two or more meters, indicating that the two or more meters have a change in power state; as well as The power state change message is transmitted to the headend system via the network.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the power state change event includes a power outage event, and wherein one of the power state change messages includes a power outage message.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the power state change event includes a power recovery event, and wherein one of the power state change messages includes a power recovery message.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein obtaining the power state of the power supply at the device includes receiving a signal indicating that a phase of the power supply has lost power or a signal indicating that a phase of the power supply has regained power.

20. The device according to claim 16, wherein, A power state change message includes a timestamp of the power state change event and identifiers of the two or more meters.

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