Wireless Synchronous Measurement in Power Distribution Networks

Abstract

A system for determining the phase of a power supply coupled to a metering device. The system includes a data acquisition device that electronically communicates with the metering device connected to a power distribution network. The data acquisition device has a memory and one or more electronic processors. The electronic processors are configured to receive a first beacon signal and measure a phasor in response to receiving the first beacon signal. The phasor, along with an identification value associated with the device transmitting the first beacon signal and a first time, is stored in the memory. The electronic processor receives a second beacon signal and extracts data from a request message. The electronic processor determines whether the extracted time matches the first time and, based on the determination that the extracted time matches the first time stored in the memory, calculates the phase by comparing reference phasor data with the stored phasors.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and interest in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 944,010, filed December 5, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a wireless synchronization system and method for measuring phasors in a power distribution network. Background Technology

[0004] Conventional phasor measurement units (PMUs) typically use wired connections, such as power line communication (PLC), to communicate between the phasor measurement device and the data logger. Typically, a synchronization signal is transmitted from the data logger to the phasor measurement device, which then transmits the signal back via the PLC system to allow for the calculation of relative phase. However, this can place a heavy burden on the communication network. Furthermore, applying such an architecture to the transmission side is cumbersome due to the high cost of equipment required to handle the high voltage levels on the transmission network. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, a system for determining the phase of a power source coupled to a metering device is described. The system includes multiple acquisition devices, each in electronic communication with the metering device connected to a power distribution network, and has a memory and one or more electronic processors. The electronic processors are configured to receive a first beacon signal and, in response to receiving the first beacon signal, measure the phasor of the power source coupled to the metering device. The electronic processors are further configured to store the measured phasor, an identification value associated with the device transmitting the first beacon signal, and a first time in the memory. The electronic processors are also configured to receive a second beacon signal, the second beacon signal including a request message, and extract data from the request message, wherein the extracted data includes a time data value and a reference phasor value. The electronic processors are further configured to determine whether the extracted time data value matches the first time stored in the memory, and based on the determination that the extracted time matches the first time stored in the memory, the electronic processors are configured to calculate the phase by comparing the reference phasor value with the stored measured phasor.

[0006] According to another aspect, a system is provided for determining the phase of a power source coupled to a metering device connected to a power distribution network. The system includes multiple acquisition devices, each of which electronically communicates with the metering device connected to the power distribution network. Each acquisition device has a memory and one or more electronic processors. The electronic processors are configured to receive a first beacon signal, measure a phasor based on the received first beacon signal, and store the phasor, along with an identification value associated with the device transmitting the first beacon signal and a first time, in the memory. The electronic processors are further configured to receive a second beacon signal, wherein the second beacon signal includes a request message. The electronic processors are further configured to extract data from the request message, wherein the extracted data includes a time data value. The electronic processors are further configured to determine whether the extracted time matches the first time stored in the memory, and based on the determination that the extracted time matches the first time stored in the memory, transmit a response data packet including the stored phasor, the stored identification value, and the first time to a data acquisition unit.

[0007] According to another aspect, a method for determining the phase of a power supply coupled to a metering device is described. A first acquisition device communicates electronically with the metering device and includes a memory and one or more electronic processors. The method includes receiving a first beacon signal at the first acquisition device, and in response to receiving the first beacon signal, measuring a phasor of a power signal at the metering device via the acquisition device. The method also includes storing the measured phasor, a first time, and an identification value associated with the device transmitting the first beacon signal in the memory. The method further includes receiving a second beacon signal at the first acquisition device, and retrieving data from a request message by the first acquisition device. The retrieved data includes a time data value and a reference phasor value. The method also includes determining whether the retrieved time data value matches a first time stored in the memory, and calculating the phase of the power line connected to the metering device by the first acquisition device by comparing the reference phasor data with the stored measured phasor.

[0008] Other aspects of this technology will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the phasor measurement system described herein.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a system diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the phasor measurement system described herein.

[0011] Figure 3 It is shown according to the description Figure 1 and Figure 2A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a synchronizer device.

[0012] Figure 4 This is illustrated according to some embodiments, as described. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the sensor module device.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for determining phase information at an acquisition device according to the description.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for determining phase information of an acquisition device at a central host computing device, according to the description. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Before explaining any embodiment of this application in detail, it should be understood that this application is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and component arrangement set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. This application is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways.

[0016] Figure 1 An example synchronous phasor (i.e., synchronous phasor) measurement system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The synchronous phasor measurement system 100 includes a power distribution network 104 and a metering device 106. The system 100 may also include one or more data acquisition units (“DCUs”) 108. The metering device 106 may be mechanically, electrically, and / or communicatively connected to various aspects of the power distribution network 104. Figure 1 As shown, metering device 106 can be connected to a transformer (e.g., a distribution transformer that steps down medium voltage to low voltage). Metering device 106 can be a residential metering device, a commercial metering device, an industrial metering device, etc. DCU 108 can be wirelessly connected to metering device 106 to facilitate communication between DCU 108 and metering device 106. For example, DCU 108 can be connected to one or more metering devices using wireless protocols such as cellular (e.g., 3G, 4G, LTE, CDMA, etc.), RF, or other applicable wireless protocols.

[0017] In one embodiment, the power distribution network 104 includes power distribution lines, each adapted to carry power with different wiring phases. For example, power distribution line 104-A may be adapted to deliver power with phase A to one or more metering devices 106-A, power distribution line 104-B may be adapted to deliver power with phase B to one or more metering devices 106-B, and power distribution line 104-C may be adapted to deliver power with phase C to one or more metering devices 106-C. In an exemplary embodiment, the power distribution lines of the power distribution network 104 may deliver power with a combination of phases A, B, and / or C to the metering device 106-C. For example, when the system includes delta-Y and / or Y-delta transformers, the output phases of these transformers will not be purely phase A, phase B, or phase C, but may be a combination of phases A, phase B, and / or phase C.

[0018] Metering device 106 can be placed in the distribution network 104 at locations where synchronized phasor measurements are required. In some embodiments, metering device 106 may include a data acquisition device capable of wirelessly communicating with one or more DCUs 108. In some embodiments, DCUs 108 are placed in multiple locations within system 100 to facilitate communication with metering device 106 as needed. In some embodiments, DCUs 108 may be installed every 5–10 miles to ensure communication with metering device 106. In some examples, DCUs 108 may be installed on power line poles at specified intervals to ensure adequate coverage.

[0019] Now go to Figure 2 A network diagram of a power distribution equipment communication network 200 according to some embodiments is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, multiple DCUs 202 are illustrated as communicating wirelessly with multiple sensor modules 204. In one embodiment, a DCU 202 is similar to a DCU 108 as described above. Sensor modules 204 are configured to receive communications from DCUs 202 and subsequently transmit return messages back to DCUs 202, as will be described in more detail below. It should be understood that the term sensor module is used interchangeably with the term acquisition device as used herein. In one embodiment, sensor module 204 is coupled to an instrument, such as instrument 106 described above. Sensor module 204 may be configured to determine phase data or other waveform data via the coupled instrument (not shown). While sensor module 204 is generally described as being coupled to an instrument, it is conceivable that sensor module 204 be integrated into the instrument.

[0020] like Figure 2As shown, DCU 202 is also shown communicating with network 206. Network 206 can be a cloud-based or internet-based network. However, other network types, such as local area networks (LANs), are also considered. In one embodiment, DCU 202 communicates wirelessly with network 206. However, in some embodiments, DCU 202 communicates with network 206 via a wired connection, as will be described in more detail below. In one embodiment, network 206 is configured as a data storage network. In other embodiments, network 206 is configured to perform one or more functions, such as determining one or more reference phasor values ​​and / or phasor differences across the power distribution system.

[0021] like Figure 2 As further shown, each DCU 202 can communicate with one or more sensor modules 204. Furthermore, a single sensor module 204 can communicate with one or more DCUs 202. For example, sensor module 204-C can communicate with both DCUs 202-A and 202-B; sensor module 204-E can communicate with both DCUs 202-B and 202-C; and sensor module 204-G can communicate with both DCUs 202-C and 202-D. In one embodiment, the DCUs 202 and sensor modules 204 communicate via a radio frequency (RF) communication protocol, although other wireless communication protocols are also considered. Messages sent between the DCUs 202 and sensor modules 204 can be transmitted as a general broadcast using an RF communication protocol, allowing them to be received by any DCU 202 and / or sensor module 204 within range. Therefore, different sensor modules 204 can communicate with different DCUs 202 based on various conditions affecting the RF signal, such as distance, weather, obstacles, atmospheric conditions, etc.

[0022] Now go to Figure 3 A block diagram of a DCU 202 according to some embodiments is shown. The DCU 202 may be a standalone device or may be part of one or more devices (such as a power meter 106, a switching device, etc.). Figure 3 As shown, DCU 202 includes processing circuitry 302, a communication interface 304, and an input / output (I / O) interface 306. Processing circuitry 302 includes an electronic processor 308 and a memory 310. Processing circuitry 302 can be communicatively connected to one or more of the communication interface 304 and I / O interface 306. Electronic processor 308 can be implemented as a programmable microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a set of processing components, or have other suitable electronic processing components.

[0023] Memory 310 (e.g., a non-transitory, computer-readable medium) includes one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code to perform or facilitate the various processes, layers, and modules described herein. Memory 310 may include database components, object code components, script components, or other types of code and information to support the various activities and information structures described herein. According to one example, memory 310 is communicatively connected to electronic processor 308 via processing circuitry 302 and may include computer code for performing (e.g., by processing circuitry 302 and / or electronic processor 308) one or more processes described herein.

[0024] Communication interface 304 is configured to facilitate communication between DCU 202 and one or more external devices or systems, such as sensor module 204 or network 206. Communication interface 304 may be or include a wireless communication interface (e.g., antenna, transmitter, receiver, transceiver, etc.) for data communication between DCU 202 and one or more external devices (e.g., sensor module 204 and / or network 206). In some embodiments, communication interface 304 communicates with sensor module 204 and / or network 206 using a proprietary protocol. For example, the proprietary protocol may be an RF-based protocol configured to provide efficient and effective communication between DCU 202 and other devices. In other embodiments, other wireless communication protocols may also be used, such as cellular (3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, CDMA, etc.), Wi-Fi, LoRa, LoRaWAN, Z-wave, Thread, and / or any other suitable wireless communication protocol.

[0025] I / O module 306 can be configured to interface directly with one or more devices, such as power supplies, power monitors, etc. In one embodiment, the I / O module may utilize general-purpose I / O (GPIO) ports, analog inputs, digital inputs, etc.

[0026] As described above, memory 310 can be configured to store various processes, layers, and modules executable by electronic processor 308 and / or processing circuitry 302. In one embodiment, memory 310 includes pulse generation circuitry 312. Pulse generation circuitry 312 is adapted to generate synchronization pulses for establishing a common time reference between DCU 202 and one or more sensor modules 204. In one embodiment, the synchronization pulses are transmitted via communication interface 304, such as via the wireless communication protocol described above.

[0027] Now go to Figure 4A block diagram of a sensor module 204 according to some embodiments is shown. The sensor module 204 may be a standalone device or may be part of one or more devices, such as a power meter. Figure 4 As shown, sensor module 204 includes processing circuitry 402, communication interface 404, and input / output (I / O) interface 406. Processing circuitry 402 includes an electronic processor 408 and memory 410. Processing circuitry 402 can be communicatively connected to one or more of communication interface 404 and I / O interface 406. Electronic processor 408 can be implemented as a programmable microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a set of processing components, or having other suitable electronic processing components.

[0028] Memory 410 (e.g., a non-transitory, computer-readable medium) includes one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code to perform or facilitate the various processes, layers, and modules described herein. Memory 410 may include database components, object code components, script components, or other types of code and information to support the various activities and information structures described herein. According to one example, memory 410 is communicatively connected to electronic processor 408 via processing circuitry 402 and may include computer code for performing (e.g., by processing circuitry 402 and / or electronic processor 408) one or more processes described herein.

[0029] Communication interface 404 is configured to facilitate communication between sensor module 204 and one or more external devices or systems (such as DCU 202). Communication interface 404 may be or include a wireless communication interface (e.g., antenna, transmitter, receiver, transceiver, etc.) for data communication between sensor module 204 and one or more external devices (such as DCU 202). In some embodiments, communication interface 404 communicates with DCU 202 using a proprietary protocol. For example, the proprietary protocol may be an RF-based protocol configured to provide efficient and effective communication between DCU 202 or other devices. In other embodiments, other wireless communication protocols may also be used, such as cellular (3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, CDMA, etc.), Wi-Fi, LoRa, LoRaWAN, Z-wave, Thread, and / or any other suitable wireless communication protocol.

[0030] I / O interface 406 can be configured to directly interface with one or more devices (such as power supplies, meters, etc.). In one embodiment, I / O interface 406 may utilize general-purpose I / O (GPIO) ports, analog inputs, digital inputs, etc.

[0031] As described above, memory 410 may be configured to store various processes, layers, and modules executable by electronic processor 408 and / or processing circuitry 402. In one embodiment, memory 410 includes beacon response circuitry 412. Beacon response circuitry 412 is adapted to generate a response beacon for providing a response to an interrogation beacon from one or more DCUs 202. As described in more detail below, the beacon response may receive a timestamp of when the interrogation beacon was received. The beacon response may also include the phase of a sine wave, such as a reference sine wave, at the time the interrogation beacon is received. In one embodiment, the response beacon is transmitted using communication interface 404, such as via the wireless communication protocol described above. Memory 410 may also include phasor calculation circuitry 413. Phasor calculation circuitry 413 may be configured to determine various phasor data of the distribution network, such as reference phasors and phasor changes across the distribution network, as described in more detail below.

[0032] The memory 410 also includes a phase monitoring circuit 414. The phase monitoring circuit 414 can be configured to determine the phase at an instrument associated with the sensor module 204, as will be described in more detail below.

[0033] Now go to Figure 5 According to some embodiments, a process for determining phasor data across a distribution network at a metering device is illustrated. Determining phasor data across the distribution network allows for the verification or validation of the distribution network's integrity and can provide indications when problems occur in the distribution network (which can indicate a risk of power loss on the network). Furthermore, by determining phasor data across the distribution network, the load on each phase (e.g., A, B, C) of the network can be assessed to determine if the distribution network's load is unbalanced. Additionally, by determining phasor data across the network, other system problems such as faulty system components, faulty transformers, faulty cables, floating neutral points, and other conditions can be detected and tracked. Moreover, the information provided to utilities via phasor data allows for more precise control of network components such as capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and the automated distribution of smart grids.

[0034] In one embodiment, process 500 is performed by a combination of a DCU (such as DCU 202) and a sensor module (such as sensor module 204). However, in other embodiments, process 500 may be performed via other components within the power distribution network. Furthermore, it is envisioned that process 500 may be performed by multiple DCUs 202 within the power distribution system.

[0035] At process block 502, DCU 202 transmits a first beacon signal received by one or more sensor modules 204. At process block 504, DCU 202 receives a beacon response from a reference unit. In one embodiment, the reference unit is a device with a known phase (e.g., an instrument / sensor module). In some embodiments, the phase may be recorded during the installation of the reference unit, and a flag or other identifier may be set within the reference unit so that the phase to which it is connected can be broadcast when transmitting data. In some embodiments, there may be many different reference devices throughout the power grid, such that each phase (A, B, C) has multiple associated reference devices. Upon receiving a beacon response from at least one reference unit, DCU 202 then transmits a second beacon containing reference data received from the reference unit.

[0036] In some embodiments, the reference cell can be determined via an algorithm executed by a central computer (such as network 206). In this method, a small sample of the total number of sensor modules 204 receiving the first beacon signal transmits their measured phasors back to DCU 202. DCU 202 can then send the received phasors to network 206. Network 206 can then use one or more algorithms to determine what the phase angle will be at an ideal cell (which may not actually exist) attached to the nominal phase. This determined value is then used as reference data for transmission in the second beacon. In one example, as described above, network 206 can transmit the reference data to DCU 202 for use when generating the second beacon.

[0037] At process block 508, sensor module 204 receives the first beacon. It is understood that multiple sensor modules 204 can receive the first beacon, and therefore each sensor module 204 receiving subsequent signals will be understood to perform the following function: Upon receiving the first beacon, at process block 510, sensor module 204 measures the phasor at that moment. At process block 512, sensor module 204 stores the measured phasor, along with the time the beacon signal was received and the identifier value of the DCU transmitting the first beacon signal, in its memory.

[0038] Then, at process block 514, sensor module 204 receives a second beacon containing reference data. Upon receiving the second beacon signal, at process block 516, sensor module 204 extracts message data from the second beacon signal (if any). The extracted message data may include reference data, the time associated with the reference data (e.g., the time the reference data was measured), the identifier (ID) of the DCU transmitting the message, etc. While extracting the message data, at process block 518, sensor module 204 determines whether the message data information corresponds to data stored in the memory of sensor module 204. For example, sensor module 204 may determine whether the time and DCU ID in the message match the time and DCU ID associated with the first beacon signal received by sensor module 204 at process block 508.

[0039] In response to determining that the message received in the second beacon signal includes the same time and DCU ID as the previous beacon (e.g., the first beacon signal), at process block 520, sensor module 204 calculates the phase of the power lines connected to sensor module 204 and / or the instruments associated with sensor module 204. In one embodiment, sensor module 204 calculates the phase by subtracting the reference phasor received in the second beacon from the phasor measured by sensor module 204 when the first beacon signal was received in process block 508, to determine the phase angle difference. Therefore, sensor module 204 compares the phasor measured and stored in sensor module 204's memory 310 when the first beacon signal is received with the reference phasor measured at the same time. As shown above, this functionality can be necessary because sensor module 204 can communicate with one or more DCUs within the network. Therefore, by comparing the reference phasor only with data associated with sensor module 204 that received the same beacon signal from the same reference device, it can be ensured that sensor module 204 is comparing similar data. Then, sensor module 204 can determine the phase (e.g., the phase coupled by the connector) in response to the difference between the reference phasor and the measured phasor being determined to be less than a predetermined value. For example, the predetermined value could be a phase angle difference of ±30 degrees. However, phase angle differences less than or greater than ±30 degrees are also contemplated. Additionally, in some examples, other predetermined values ​​besides the phase angle difference value can be used. In response to determining that the message received in the second beacon signal does not include the time and DCU ID of the previously received beacon, sensor module 204 will simply ignore the message and return to process block 510.

[0040] In some embodiments, sensor module 204 can transmit determined phase data to one of a plurality of DCUs 202. In other embodiments, sensor module 204 can provide the data to one or more other devices, such as network systems, such as network 206.

[0041] Now go to Figure 6 According to some embodiments, a process 600 for determining phase information of one or more metering devices in a network is shown. In contrast to process 500 described above, process 600 utilizes a centralized computing system, such as a server or a cloud-based system (e.g., network 206), to determine the phase of a given metering device, rather than the phase of the metering device and / or sensor module associated with the metering device performing the determination.

[0042] At process block 602, DCU 202 transmits a first beacon received by one or more sensor modules 204. At process block 604, sensor module 204 receives the first beacon. It is understood that multiple sensor modules 204 may receive the first beacon. When the first beacon is received, sensor module 204 measures the phasor at that moment at process block 606. At process block 608, sensor module 204 stores the measured phasor, along with the time the beacon signal was received and the identifier value of the DCU that transmitted the first beacon signal, in the memory 310 of sensor module 204.

[0043] At process block 610, DCU 202 transmits a second beacon, including a request, to sensor module 204. In one embodiment, the request is an instruction to provide stored phasor data associated with a previously transmitted beacon (such as a first beacon). In other embodiments, the request may request phasor data associated with a DCU ID and time, where the DCU ID and time correspond to a previously transmitted beacon, such as the first beacon. Sensor module 204 receives the beacon at process block 612 and transmits the requested phasor data if available. For example, sensor module 204 may determine whether the time and DCU ID in the request match the time and DCU ID associated with the first beacon (or any other previously received beacon) received by sensor module 204. In response to determining that sensor module 204 does not have stored phasor data corresponding to the time and DCU ID in the request, sensor module 204 may ignore the request. In other examples, sensor module 204 may transmit a response to the DCU indicating that sensor module 204 does not have any stored phasor data corresponding to the time and DCU ID in the request.

[0044] At process block 614, DCU 202 receives requested phasor data from one or more sensor modules 204. In one embodiment, the requested phasor data also includes the time of phasor measurement and the identifier of the transmitting sensor module 204. DCU 202 then forwards the received phasor data to a host device (e.g., a server or cloud-based computing system), which subsequently determines the phase of each sensor module 204 that transmitted the phasor data. For example, as described above, the host device can use a similar method to determine the phase of the sensor module 204 using reference data. However, in other embodiments, the host device can use other methods to determine the phase data of the sensor module 204. In some embodiments, the host device can compare the provided phasor data with previous phasor data from the sensor module 204 to determine if there are any events or changes indicating a fault or problem in the power distribution network.

Claims

1. A system for determining the phase of a power supply coupled to a metering device, the system comprising: A first acquisition device that communicates electronically with the metering device and has a memory and one or more electronic processors, wherein the one or more electronic processors are configured to: Receive the first beacon signal; In response to receiving the first beacon signal, the phasor of the power supply coupled to the metering device is measured; The measured phasor, the identification value associated with the device transmitting the first beacon signal, and the first time are stored in the memory; Receive a second beacon signal, the second beacon signal including a request message; Data is extracted from the request message, wherein the extracted data includes time data values ​​and reference phasor values; Determine whether the extracted time data value matches the first time stored in the memory; as well as Based on the determination that the extracted time matches the first time stored in the memory, the phase is calculated by comparing the reference phasor value with the stored measured phasor.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: The data acquisition unit includes a memory and one or more processors, the one or more processors being configured to: Transmit the first beacon signal; Receive beacon response signals from the reference acquisition device, and extract the reference phasor value from the received beacon response; as well as The second beacon signal, including the request message, is transmitted.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The extracted time data value includes the time when the data acquisition unit transmitted the first beacon signal.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein, Beacons are transmitted using wireless communication protocols.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The wireless communication protocol is an RF communication protocol.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first time is the time when the first beacon is received at the first acquisition device.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The request message also includes a second identification value of the device transmitting the second beacon signal.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more electronic processors are configured to calculate the phase by determining whether the phase angle difference between the reference phasor value and the stored phasor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The predetermined threshold is ±30 degrees.

10. A system for determining the phase of a power source coupled to a metering device connected to a power distribution network, the system comprising: Multiple data acquisition devices, each communicating electronically with metering equipment connected to the power distribution network, and having a memory and one or more electronic processors configured to: Receive the first beacon signal; Phasors are measured based on the received first beacon signal; The phasor, along with the identifier associated with the device transmitting the first beacon signal and the first time, is stored in the memory; Receive a second beacon signal, the second beacon signal including a request message; Data is extracted from the request message, wherein the extracted data includes time data values; Determine whether the extracted time matches the first time stored in the memory; as well as Based on the determination that the extracted time matches the first time stored in the memory, a response data packet including the stored phasor, the stored identifier value, and the first time is transmitted to the data acquisition unit.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising: The data acquisition unit includes a memory and one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: Transmit the first beacon signal; Transmit the second beacon signal and the request message; Receive the response data packet; and The response data packet is transmitted to the host device.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The host device is a server-based computing system.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The extracted time data value includes the time when the data acquisition unit transmitted the first beacon signal.

14. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The first time is the time when the first beacon is received at the acquisition device.

15. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The request message also includes a second identification value associated with the device transmitting the second beacon signal.

16. A method for determining the phase of a power supply coupled to a metering device, wherein, The first data acquisition device communicates electronically with the metering device and includes a memory and one or more electronic processors. The method includes: Receive the first beacon signal at the first acquisition device; In response to receiving the first beacon signal, the phasor of the power signal is measured at the metering device via an acquisition device; The measured phasor, the first time, and the identification value associated with the device transmitting the first beacon signal are stored in the memory; Receive the second beacon signal at the first acquisition device; The first acquisition device extracts data from the request message, wherein the extracted data includes time data values ​​and reference phasor values; The first acquisition device determines whether the extracted time data value matches the first time stored in the memory; and The first acquisition device calculates the phase of the power line connected to the metering device by comparing reference phasor data with the stored measured phasors.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The first beacon signal is transmitted by the data acquisition unit; At the data acquisition unit, a beacon response signal from a reference acquisition device is received, and the reference phasor value is extracted from the received beacon response; as well as Transmit the second beacon signal, wherein the second beacon signal includes the request message.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The extracted time data value includes the time when the data acquisition unit transmitted the first beacon signal.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein, The first time is the time when the first beacon is received at the first acquisition device.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein, The request message also includes a second identification value of the device transmitting the second beacon signal.

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