Multiport meter

Abstract

A power meter is disclosed. The power meter comprises a set of first conductive paths configured to connect a first phase of a distribution power source, a first phase of a first distributed energy resource device, a first phase of a second distributed energy resource device, and a first phase of a load. The power meter comprises a set of second conductive paths configured to connect a second phase of a distribution power source, a second phase of a first distributed energy resource device, a second phase of a second distributed energy resource device, and a second phase of a load. A method of using a power meter and a power meter system are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure is in the field of power meters, and more particularly relates to power meters used with multiple distributed energy resources. This disclosure also relates to associated power meter systems and methods of using the power meters.

Background Art

[0002] Distributed energy resources are implemented as relatively small-scale power supply or demand resources that can be or are connected to the power grid. Examples of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) devices may include solar panels, generators, turbines, battery energy storage systems, electric vehicle batteries, and the like.

[0003] The general use of such DER devices has increased, particularly by consumers of in-home equipment, such as residential consumers, due to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles equipped with battery storage systems and / or the implementation of local energy generation and storage systems such as solar panels with associated battery storage systems.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Connecting DER devices to the power grid is complex, expensive, time-consuming, and in some cases, may not be safe. The increasing range of DER device use cases, particularly those related to local generation and consumption, has led to increasingly diverse use cases and requirements related to the installation of power meters. For example, it may be necessary to connect multiple DER devices to a power meter, where the energy flow being measured can be both towards and coming from such DER devices.

[0005] Thus, a high degree of flexibility and control may be required regarding the installation of power meters. However, the general lack of standardization for power meters suitable for use with multiple DER devices can lead to unoptimized power meter installations, potentially limiting the control, measurement, and possible component decomposition of DER device usage.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a power meter suitable for use in conjunction with multiple DER devices.

[0007] Therefore, an objective of at least one embodiment relating to at least one aspect of this disclosure is to avoid or mitigate at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This disclosure relates to electricity meters, and more particularly to electricity meters used in conjunction with distributed energy resources. This disclosure also relates to associated electricity metering systems and methods of using electricity meters. According to the first aspect of this disclosure, A set of first conductive paths configured to connect the first phase of a distribution power supply, the first phase of a first distributed energy resource device, the first phase of a second distributed energy resource device, and the first phase of a load, A set of second conductive paths configured to connect the second phase of the distribution power supply, the second phase of the first distributed energy resource device, the second phase of the second distributed energy resource device, and the second phase of the load. A power meter equipped with the following features is provided.

[0009] The power meter may have multiple blades. The multiple blades may be configured to provide line ports that have connectivity to the first and second phases of the distribution power supply.

[0010] Multiple blades may be configured to provide load ports having connectivity to the first and second phases of the load.

[0011] Multiple blades may be configured to provide a first distributed energy resource port having connectivity to the first and second phases of a first distributed energy resource device.

[0012] Multiple blades may be configured to provide a second distributed energy resource port having connectivity to the first and second phases of a second distributed energy resource device.

[0013] Multiple blades may be configured to provide a neutral connection path.

[0014] The blades of the first distributed energy resource port may be positioned between the blades of the load port.

[0015] The blades of the second distributed energy resource port may be positioned between the blades of the line port.

[0016] The blades of the optional neutral connection path may be positioned substantially between the line port and the load port.

[0017] The above-described configuration of the blade is provided for illustrative purposes only, and it will be recognized that other configurations of the blade are also within the scope of this disclosure. The relative positions of the eight blades (or nine, if optional neutral blades are implemented) may differ from those described above.

[0018] The power meter may include a first controllable electrical disconnection switch configured to selectively connect the first distributed energy resource device to a distribution power source, load, and / or a second distributed energy resource device.

[0019] The power meter may include a second controllable electrical disconnect switch configured to selectively connect the second distributed energy resource device to the sub-power supply, the load, and / or the first distributed energy resource device.

[0020] The power meter may include a third controllable electrical disconnect switch configured to selectively connect the sub-power supply to the first distributed energy resource device, the load, and / or the second distributed energy resource device.

[0021] The power meter may include a fourth controllable electrical disconnect switch configured to selectively connect the load to the sub-power supply, the first distributed energy resource device, and / or the second distributed energy resource device.

[0022] The power meter may include a first electrical measurement component configured to measure one or more voltages and / or currents related to a first set of conduction paths.

[0023] The power meter may include a second electrical measurement component configured to measure one or more voltages and / or currents related to a second set of conduction paths.

[0024] The power meter may include a housing configured to accommodate at least the first and second electrical measurement components. The housing may have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0025] The first electrical measurement component may include a set of first current transducers, and the set of first current transducers is configured to monitor the current in at least one of the first phase of the sub-power supply, the first phase of the first distributed energy resource device, the first phase of the second distributed energy resource device, the first phase of the load .

[0026] The first electrical measurement component may include a set of first voltage transducers, and the set of first voltage transducers is configured to monitor the voltage in at least one of the first phase of the substation power supply, the first phase of the first distributed energy resource device, the first phase of the second distributed energy resource device, and the first phase of the load.

[0027] The second electrical measurement component may include a set of second current transducers, and the set of second current transducers is configured to monitor the current in at least one of the second phase of the substation power supply, the second phase of the first distributed energy resource device, the second phase of the second distributed energy resource device, and the second phase of the load.

[0028] The second electrical measurement component may include a set of second voltage transducers, and the set of second voltage transducers is configured to monitor the voltage in at least one of the second phase of the substation power supply, the second phase of the first distributed energy resource device, the second phase of the second distributed energy resource device, and the second phase of the load.

[0029] The power meter may include a processing and acquisition circuit configured to acquire and process measurement values from the first and second electrical measurement components.

[0030] The power meter may include a communication module. The communication module may be configured to enable communication with other meters and / or utilities.

[0031] According to the second aspect of this disclosure A power meter relating to the first embodiment, A power meter socket comprising multiple receptacles configured to receive a power meter, A power meter system equipped with the following features is provided. The power meter socket is The set of first conductive paths is connected to the first phase of the distribution power supply, the first phase of the first distributed energy resource device, the first phase of the second distributed energy resource device, and the first phase of the load. Configured to connect, The set of second conductive paths is connected to the second phase of the distribution power supply, the second phase of the first distributed energy resource device, the second phase of the second distributed energy resource device, and the second phase of the load. It may be configured to connect.

[0032] The socket may include at least one neutral connection path configured to form a neutral conduction path between the power meter and neutral conductor of the distribution power supply and the first distributed energy resource device, the second distributed energy resource device and the load.

[0033] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a method for using a power meter according to the first aspect. This method may also include connecting the meter to a distribution power source, a first distributed energy resource device, a second distributed energy resource device, and a load via a corresponding meter socket.

[0034] The method may include the step of configuring a first controllable electrical disconnect switch on the meter to connect the first distributed energy resource device to a load and / or a second distributed energy resource device.

[0035] The method may include the step of configuring a second controllable electrical connection switch of the meter to connect a second distributed energy resource device to a load and / or a first distributed energy resource device.

[0036] The method may include the step of configuring a third controllable electrical disconnection switch for a meter configured to disconnect the distribution power from a first distributed energy resource device, a load, and / or a second distributed energy resource device.

[0037] This method calculates the power related to the port of the power meter. The power of the first phase at the port is determined by multiplying the measured current of the first phase at the port by the measured line voltage related to the first phase, The power of the second phase at the port is determined by multiplying the measured current of the second phase at the port by the measured line voltage for the second phase, Adding the power of the first phase to the power of the second phase This may include performing the action by [a specific method / method].

[0038] The above summary is intended to be illustrative and non-limiting. This disclosure includes, separately or in various combinations, one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments, or features, whether specifically combined or separately described (including in the claims). It should be understood that any feature defined above relating to any aspect of this disclosure, or any feature defined below relating to any particular embodiment of this disclosure, may be used alone or in combination with any other defined feature to form any other aspect or embodiment, or further aspects or embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] The power meter system according to the embodiments of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2] This disclosure shows a representation of a power meter according to this embodiment, and illustrates the configuration of the blades. [Figure 3] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary use case of the power meter according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] These and other aspects of the present disclosure are described herein by reference only to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Currently, there is no standard system for connecting multiple DER devices to a power meter in a way that provides proper control of each individual DER device and the necessary component decomposition capabilities.

[0042] This application describes a power meter and associated power metering system that provides means for measuring power arriving from both multiple DER devices and an electrical grid. For non-limiting illustrative purposes, such DER devices may include residential solar power systems with or without associated local energy storage, residential wind turbine systems with or without associated local energy storage, electric vehicle batteries, and the like.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a representation of the power meter system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] The power meter system 100 includes a power meter 150. The power meter system 100 also includes a power meter socket 155, which comprises multiple receptacles configured to receive the blades of the power meter 150, as will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0045] Further illustrated are a distribution power source 110, for example, a grid, a first distributed energy resource device 115, a second distributed energy resource device 120, and a load 125, all of which are connected to a power meter 150 via a meter socket 155. In some embodiments, one or more circuit breakers, miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), fuses, residual current devices (RCDs), and / or controllable disconnect switches may be implemented between the socket and one or more of the first distributed energy resource device 115, the second distributed energy resource device 120, and / or loads.

[0046] The power meter 150 includes a first set of conductive paths 105 configured to connect the first phase of the distribution power supply 110, the first phase of the first distributed energy resource device 115, the first phase of the second distributed energy resource device 120, and the first phase of the load 125.

[0047] The power meter 150 also includes a second set of conductive paths 130 configured to connect the second phase of the distribution power supply 110, the second phase of the first distributed energy resource device 115, the second phase of the second distributed energy resource device, and the second phase of the load.

[0048] In the disclosed embodiment, the power meter 150 includes a plurality of controllable electrical disconnection switches 135, 140, 145.

[0049] In the disclosed embodiment, the power meter 150 optionally includes a first controllable electrical disconnect switch 135 configured to selectively connect the first distributed energy resource device 115 to the distribution power supply 110, the load 125, and the second distributed energy resource device 120.

[0050] In the disclosed embodiment, the power meter 150 optionally includes a second controllable electrical disconnect switch 140 configured to selectively connect a second distributed energy resource device 120 to a distribution power supply 110, a load 125, and a first distributed energy resource device 115.

[0051] In the disclosed embodiment, the power meter 150 optionally includes a third controllable electrical disconnect switch 145 configured to selectively connect the distribution power supply 110 to a first distributed energy resource device 115, a load 125, and a second distributed energy resource device 120.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the power meter 150 may optionally include a fourth controllable electrical disconnect switch (not shown) configured to selectively connect the load 125 to a first distributed energy resource device 115, a second distributed energy resource device 120, and a distribution power source 110.

[0053] It will be recognized that all of the first to fourth controllable electrical disconnection switches are optional, and that all embodiments comprising one or more of the controllable electrical disconnection switches are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] An exemplary power meter 150 comprises a plurality of electrical measuring components configured to measure one or more voltages and / or currents relating to the first and second conduction path sets 150,130. Voltages and currents, such as those provided by any of the distribution power supply 110, the first distributed energy resource device 115, and the second distributed energy resource device 120, may be measured or measured by the plurality of electrical measuring components. The electrical measuring components may measure the electrical characteristics of the voltage and current waveforms, respectively. The power supplied to / consumed at the ports of the power meter 150 may be calculated based on the voltage and current measurements, as will be described in more detail later.

[0055] The first current transducer 205 is configured to monitor the current in the first phase of the distribution power supply 110.

[0056] The second current transducer 210 is configured to monitor the current in the second phase of the power distribution power supply 110.

[0057] The third current transducer 215 is configured to monitor the current in the first phase of the first distributed energy resource device 115.

[0058] The fourth current transducer 220 is configured to monitor the current in the second phase of the first distributed energy resource device 115.

[0059] The fifth current transducer 280 is configured to monitor the current in the first phase of the second distributed energy resource device 120.

[0060] The sixth current transducer 295 is configured to monitor the current in the second phase of the second distributed energy resource device 120.

[0061] In some optional embodiments, a seventh current transducer 225 may be included, configured to monitor the current in the first phase of the load 125.

[0062] In some optional embodiments, an eighth current transducer 230 may be included, configured to monitor the current in the second phase of the load 125.

[0063] A seventh current transducer 225 and an eighth current transducer 230, for example, one associated with a load port, are described as optional, but it will be recognized that in some embodiments, it may be necessary to measure the current in only three of the four ports, for example, the load port, the line port, the first distributed energy resource port, and the second distributed energy resource port. Thus, in some embodiments, the current transducer may be removed from ports other than the load port.

[0064] In other words, in some embodiments, instead of removing the seventh and eighth current transducers 225 and 230, any of the first and second current transducers 205 and 210, the third and fourth current transducers 215 and 220, or the fifth and sixth current transducers 280 and 295 may be removed.

[0065] The first voltage transducer 235 is configured to monitor the voltage in the first phase of the power distribution 110.

[0066] The second voltage transducer 240 is configured to monitor the voltage in the second phase of the power distribution 110.

[0067] The third voltage transducer 245 is configured to monitor the voltage in the first phase of the first distributed energy resource device 115.

[0068] The fourth voltage transducer 250 is configured to monitor the voltage in the second phase of the first distributed energy resource device 115.

[0069] The fifth voltage transducer 255 is configured to monitor the voltage in the first phase of the second distributed energy resource device 120.

[0070] The sixth voltage transducer 260 is configured to monitor the voltage in the second phase of the second distributed energy resource device 120.

[0071] In some optional embodiments, a seventh voltage transducer 265 may be included and configured to monitor the voltage in the first phase of the load 125.

[0072] In some optional embodiments, an eighth voltage transducer 270 may be included and configured to monitor the voltage in the second phase of the load 125.

[0073] The exemplary embodiment in Figure 1 shows a total of eight voltage transducers and eight current transducers, but it will be recognized that in other embodiments, fewer than eight current and / or voltage transducers may be implemented. For example, the embodiment in Figure 2 includes six current transducers and six voltage transducers. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the optional transducer 180 may not be implemented.

[0074] The power meter 150 may include a processing circuit 275 and an acquisition circuit 285 configured to acquire and process measurement values ​​from the electrical measurement components described above. For example, the acquisition circuit 285 may include one or more analog-to-digital converters. The processing circuit 275 may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, etc.

[0075] The processing circuit 275 may be configured to control a first controllable electrical disconnection switch 135, a second controllable electrical disconnection switch 140, and / or a third controllable electrical disconnection switch 145.

[0076] In some embodiments, the power meter 150 may include a communication module 290. The communication module 190 may be configured to enable communication with other meters and / or utilities. The communication module 190 may be at least partially integrated with or connected to the processing circuit 275.

[0077] The communication module 190 may be configured to communicate by at least one of the following means: wirelessly, via a cellular network, via power line communication, via a mesh network, or using a protocol compliant with the Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Utility Network) protocol, such as a protocol compliant with the IEEE 802.15.4g standard. The communication module 190 may be configured to receive communication signals that include commands for controlling a first controllable electrical disconnect switch 135, a second controllable electrical disconnect switch 140, and / or a third controllable electrical disconnect switch 145.

[0078] The communication module 190 may transmit data related to the operation of the power meter 150, such as data corresponding to measurements performed by the electrical measurement components described above.

[0079] In a first exemplary method that could be the primary method, the processing circuit 275 may be configured to calculate the power of the power meter 150 for each port by multiplying the current at the port by the voltage measured at the grid port, for each phase. Optionally, in some embodiments, all eight voltages, for example, each phase at each of the four ports described, may be measured, regardless of which voltage is used to calculate the power.

[0080] In a further optional exemplary method, the processing circuit 275 is: The power of the first phase at the port is determined by multiplying the measured current of the first phase at the port by the measured line voltage related to the first phase, The power of the second phase at the port is determined by multiplying the measured current of the second phase at the port by the measured line voltage for the second phase, Adding the power of the first phase to the power of the second phase as described above. The power meter 150 may be configured to calculate the power for each port.

[0081] In an exemplary use case, the first controllable electrical disconnect switch 135 and / or the second controllable electrical disconnect switch 140 may be configured to remain open when the first voltage transducer 235 and the second voltage transducer 240 do not detect any substantial voltage from the power distribution 110. Furthermore, the first controllable electrical disconnect switch 135 and / or the second controllable electrical disconnect switch 140 may be used to synchronize the voltage phases from the first distributed energy resource device 115 and / or the second distributed energy resource device 120 to the power distribution 110, respectively.

[0082] For example, the seventh and eighth voltage transducers 265 and 270 may measure the voltage supplied to the load 125 by the first distributed energy resource device 115 and / or the second distributed energy resource device 120 while the first and second voltage transducers 235 and 240 measure the voltage supplied from the distribution power 110 and while the third controllable electrical disconnection switch 145 is open. During synchronous operation, when synchronization is reached between the first distributed energy resource device 115 and / or the second distributed energy resource device 120 and the distribution power 110, the third controllable electrical disconnection switch 145 may be closed. Furthermore, the third controllable electrical disconnection switch 145 may effectively disconnect the power meter 150 from the distribution power 110, for example, from the grid. The ability to disconnect the power meter 150 from the distribution power 110 may enable "islanding". This involves disconnecting the power meter 150 from the distribution power supply 110 and supplying power to one of the loads 125 and / or the first distributed energy resource device 115 and / or the second distributed energy resource device 120 from the other of the first distributed energy resource device 115 and / or the second distributed energy resource device 120.

[0083] The first controllable electrical disconnection switch 135 may effectively connect or disconnect the first distributed energy resource device 115 to the power meter 150. When connecting the first distributed energy resource device 115 to the power meter 150, the power meter 150 may measure the power generation or consumption of the first distributed energy resource device 115 as a value separate from the energy consumed from or sent back to the distribution power supply 110. Consumption from or generation fed back to the distribution power supply 110 may be measured. Furthermore, the first controllable electrical disconnection switch 135 may connect or disconnect the first distributed energy resource device 115 from the distribution power supply 110 based, for example, on the requirements of the distribution power supply 110 and the power generation or consumption of the first distributed energy resource device 115.

[0084] The second controllable electrical disconnection switch 140 may effectively connect or disconnect the second distributed energy resource device 120 to the power meter 150. When connecting the second distributed energy resource device 120 to the power meter 150, the power meter 150 may measure the power generation or consumption of the second distributed energy resource device 120 as a value separate from the energy consumed from or sent back to the distribution power source 110. Consumption from or generation fed back to the distribution power source 110 may be measured. Furthermore, the second controllable electrical disconnection switch 140 may connect or disconnect the second distributed energy resource device 120 from the distribution power source 110 based, for example, on the power generation or consumption requirements of the distribution power source 110 and the second distributed energy resource device 120.

[0085] In other words, the power meter 150 may be configured to measure and control the power transmitted to the load 125 via any combination of the distribution power supply 110, the first distributed energy resource device 115, and the second distributed energy resource device 120.

[0086] For illustrative purposes only, a power meter socket 155 is also shown. The power meter socket 155 comprises a number of receptacles (not shown) configured to receive, for example, the corresponding blades of the power meter 150, to receive a power meter 150.

[0087] The power meter socket 155 may be configured, depending on a selected configuration of a plurality of controllable electrical disconnect switches 135, 140, 145, to connect the first set of conductive paths 105 to the first phase of the distribution power supply 110, the first phase of the first distributed energy resource device 115, the first phase of the second distributed energy resource device 120, and the first phase of the load 125.

[0088] Similarly, the power meter socket 155 may be configured, depending on a selected configuration of a plurality of controllable electrical disconnect switches 135, 140, 145, to connect the set of second conductive paths 130 to the second phase of the distribution power supply 110, the second phase of the first distributed energy resource device 115, the second phase of the second distributed energy resource device 120, and the second phase of the load 125.

[0089] Furthermore, for illustrative purposes only, the power meter socket 155 includes a power meter 150 and a neutral connection path 175 configured to form a neutral conduction path between the power distribution 110, the first distributed energy resource device 115, the second distributed energy resource device 120, and the neutral conductor of the load 125. The neutral connection path may be known in this art as "grounding." The ability of the DER ports of the first and second distributed energy resource devices 115,120 to perform voltage measurements at the neutral point for the first phase and the neutral point for the second phase, as well as to perform current measurements, may enable the effective implementation of a load decomposition algorithm. Such a load decomposition algorithm may be performed at least in part by the processing circuit 275 and / or by other devices, servers, cloud-based devices, etc., with which the power meter 150 can communicate via the communication module 290.

[0090] Figure 2 shows a representation of the power meter 300 according to the present disclosure and illustrates the configuration of the blades.

[0091] As mentioned above, the power meter 300 is an example of a power meter equipped with six current transducers and six voltage transducers. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the optional transducer 180 shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 is not implemented in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2.

[0092] Each blade is a conductor configured to be received by the corresponding receptacle of the meter socket 155.

[0093] Multiple blades are configured to provide line ports, which are shown as “line ports” in Figure 2. A line port comprises a first blade 310 corresponding to a first phase of the distribution power supply 110 and a second blade 315 corresponding to a second phase of the distribution power supply 110.

[0094] Multiple blades are configured to provide a load port, which is shown as “load port” in Figure 2. The load port comprises a third blade 320 corresponding to the first phase of the load 125 and a fourth blade 325 corresponding to the second phase of the load 125.

[0095] The multiple blades are configured to provide a first distributed energy resource port, which is shown as the "DER1 port" in Figure 2. The first distributed energy resource port comprises a fifth blade 330 corresponding to the first phase of the first distributed energy resource device 115 and a sixth blade 335 corresponding to the second phase of the first distributed energy resource device 115.

[0096] Multiple blades are configured to provide a second distributed energy resource port, indicated as the "DER2 port" in Figure 2. The second distributed energy resource port comprises a seventh blade 340 corresponding to the first phase of the second distributed energy resource device 120 and an eighth blade 345 corresponding to the second phase of the second distributed energy resource device 120.

[0097] The multiple blades include a ninth blade 350 for providing a neutral connection path.

[0098] In this embodiment, the fifth and sixth blades 330,335 of the first distributed energy resource port are positioned between the third and fourth blades 320,325 of the load port.

[0099] In this embodiment, the seventh and eighth blades 340, 345 of the second distributed energy resource port are positioned between the first and second blades 310, 315 of the line port.

[0100] The ninth blade 350 of the neutral connection path is substantially positioned between the line port and the load port.

[0101] While nine blades are disclosed, it will be understood that embodiments of the power meter 150 and meter socket 155 according to this disclosure may include more or fewer than nine blades and corresponding receptacles, respectively. For example, if only one voltage phase is connected, fewer than nine blades and receptacles may be included, as no additional blades and receptacles are required for the additional phase. Similarly, if three voltage phases are connected, additional blades and corresponding receptacles may be implemented.

[0102] Furthermore, the blade configuration shown in Figure 2 is provided for illustrative purposes only, and it will be recognized that other blade configurations are also within the scope of this disclosure. The relative positions of the eight blades (or nine, if optional neutral blades are implemented) may differ from those in Figure 2.

[0103] The diagram also shows a measurement component 355 comprising voltage transducers, shown by relatively thin lines, and current transducers, shown by relatively thick lines. In the exemplary power meter 300, it can be seen that each phase of the line port, DER1 port, and DER2 port comprises a corresponding voltage transducer and a corresponding current transducer, for example, a total of six current transducers and six voltage transducers.

[0104] Furthermore, a circular outline 360 ​​of the power meter 300 is shown, which may correspond to the substantially cylindrical shape of the housing of the power meter 300, for example, the housing for the measuring component 355.

[0105] It will be understood that enclosures of other form factors, such as those with rectangular, square, or polygonal cross-sections, may be implemented.

[0106] Furthermore, this technology also shows a first test link 370 and a second test link 375, also known as "potential links" or "pot links." Although shown as open switches, those skilled in the art will understand that test links 370 and 375 are intended, for example, for laboratory testing or for "phantom loads" during manufacturing, and therefore, the above test links 370 and 375 are typically closed in the field. In addition, although only two test links 370 and 375 are shown, it will be understood that more than two test links may be implemented in other exemplary embodiments.

[0107] Figure 3 shows an exemplary use case representation of the power meter 400, which may be the power meter 150 in Figure 1 or the power meter 300 in Figure 2 according to the embodiments of this disclosure. The power meter 400 is referred to as a “4-port meter”.

[0108] For illustrative purposes only, the first distributed energy resource 415 is an inverter system connected to a solar panel. That is, the first distributed energy resource 415 may operate as an energy generator. In some embodiments, the first distributed energy resource 415 may also operate as an energy consumer, as represented by a bidirectional arrow between the DER1 port and the first distributed energy resource 415. For example, a local storage device such as a battery system may comprise the first distributed energy resource 415, and in some examples, the local storage device may receive power for charging, which is provided through another port of the power meter 400.

[0109] For illustrative purposes only, the second distributed energy resource 420 is an electric vehicle charger connected to an electric vehicle (EV). That is, the second distributed energy resource 420 may primarily operate as an energy consumer for charging the battery of an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, the second distributed energy resource 420 may also operate as an energy supplier, as represented by a bidirectional arrow between the DER2 port and the second distributed energy resource 420. In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle's battery may, for example, provide power to on-site equipment where an electric vehicle charger is installed via the DER2 port in the event of a failure in the supply to the grid port.

[0110] Also shown is load 425 connected to the load port. In a non-limiting embodiment, the load may include all household loads that may contain power-consuming equipment such as air conditioners, and is also a consumer of power, as indicated by the unidirectional arrow between the load port and load 425.

[0111] Also shown is a power distribution unit 410 connected to the line port, for example, a grid. The power distribution unit 410 may supply electrical energy to one or more other ports of the meter 400 via the meter 400. The power distribution unit 410 may also receive electrical energy from one or more other ports of the meter 400 via the meter 400, as indicated by a bidirectional arrow between the line port and the power distribution unit 410.

[0112] As mentioned above, the disclosed power meters 150, 300, and 400 enable the measurement of usage and component breakdown of individual distributed energy resource devices.

[0113] Furthermore, the aforementioned ability to disconnect the power meters 150, 300, and 400 from the distribution power sources 110 and 410 can enable "islandization." This involves disconnecting the power meters 150, 300, and 400 from the distribution power sources 110 and 410, and supplying power to one of the loads 125, 425 and / or the first distributed energy resource devices 115, 415 and / or the second distributed energy resource devices 120, 420 from the other of the first distributed energy resource devices 115, 415 and / or the second distributed energy resource devices 120, 420.

[0114] In the first exemplary use, the meter 400 may be configured such that a first distributed energy resource 415, capable of generating electricity from solar energy, supplies the generated electricity to a second distributed energy resource 420 to charge the battery of an electric vehicle. Depending on the configured and / or selected configuration of the meter, the distribution power 410 may be effectively disconnected from the meter 400 by a controllable electrical disconnect switch, for example, in an “islanded” embodiment.

[0115] In the second exemplary use, the meter 400 may be configured such that any excess electrical energy generated by the first distributed energy resource 415 and not required by the second distributed energy resource 420 can, as an alternative, be supplied to the distribution power source 410 via the grid port.

[0116] In further embodiments of the disclosed use of the power meter, the load control device may be connected to one or both of the distributed energy resource ports. In non-limiting embodiments, such a load control device may include any of the following: electric vehicle chargers, HVAC systems, hot water heaters, air conditioners, thermostats, heat pumps, pool pumps, refrigerators, dryers, solar inverters, battery systems, and the like.

[0117] While this disclosure has described specific embodiments as described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and the claims are not limited to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art can modify and change the information in light of this disclosure, and such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of the attached claims. Each feature disclosed or illustrated herein may be incorporated into any embodiment, either alone or in any suitable combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 100 Electricity Meter 105 Set of the first conductive paths 110 Power Distribution 115 First Distributed Energy Resource Device 120 Second Distributed Energy Resource Device 125 load 130 Set of second conductive paths 135 First controllable electrical disconnection switch 140 Second controllable electrical disconnection switch 145 Third controllable electrical disconnection switch 150 Electricity Meter 180 Optional transducers 190 Communication Module 205 First current transducer 210 Second current transducer 215 Third current transducer 220 Fourth current transducer 225 The 7th current transducer 230 The 8th current transducer 235 First voltage transducer 240 Second voltage transducer 245 Third Voltage Transducer 250 Fourth Voltage Transducer 255 Fifth Voltage Transducer 260 Sixth Voltage Transducer 265. The 7th voltage transducer 270 8th Voltage Transducer 275 Processing Circuit 280 Fifth Current Transducer 285 Acquisition circuit 290 Communication Module 295 The sixth current transducer 300 Electricity Meter 310 The First Blade 315 The Second Blade 320 The Third Blade 325 The Fourth Blade 330 The Fifth Blade 335 The Sixth Blade 340 The Seventh Blade 345 The Eighth Blade 350 The Ninth Blade 355 Measurement Components 370 First test link 375 Second test link 400 Electricity Meter 410 Power Distribution 415 The first decentralized energy resource 420 Second Distributed Energy Resource 425 load

Claims

1. A set of first conductive paths configured to connect the first phase of a distribution power supply, the first phase of a first distributed energy resource device, the first phase of a second distributed energy resource device, and the first phase of a load, The system comprises a set of second conductive paths configured to connect the second phase of the above-mentioned power distribution, the second phase of the above-mentioned first distributed energy resource device, the second phase of the above-mentioned second distributed energy resource device, and the second phase of the above-mentioned load. Electricity meter.

2. The above power meter is equipped with multiple blades, The above multiple blades are at least, A line port having connectivity to the first and second phases of the above-mentioned power distribution power supply, A load port having connectivity to the first and second phases of the above load, A first distributed energy resource port having connectivity to the first and second phases of the first distributed energy resource device described above, A second distributed energy resource port having connectivity to the first and second phases of the second distributed energy resource device described above is configured to supply a second distributed energy resource port. The power meter according to claim 1.

3. The blades of the first distributed energy resource port described above are positioned between the blades of the load port described above. The blades of the second distributed energy resource port described above are positioned between the blades of the line port described above. Optionally, the blade of the neutral connection path is substantially positioned between the line port and the load port. The power meter according to claim 2.

4. A first controllable electrical disconnection switch configured to selectively connect the first distributed energy resource device to the above-mentioned power distribution, the above-mentioned load, and / or the above-mentioned second distributed energy resource device, A second controllable electrical disconnection switch configured to selectively connect the second distributed energy resource device to the above-mentioned power distribution, the above-mentioned load, and / or the above-mentioned first distributed energy resource device, and / or A third controllable electrical disconnect switch configured to selectively connect the power distribution to the first distributed energy resource device, the load, and / or the second distributed energy resource device. comprising at least one of the following: The power meter according to claim 1.

5. A first electrical measurement component configured to measure one or more voltages and / or currents relating to the set of the first conduction paths described above, The system comprises a second electrical measurement component configured to measure one or more voltages and / or currents relating to the set of the second conductive paths described above, The power meter according to claim 1.

6. The above-mentioned power meter comprises a housing configured to accommodate at least the first and second electrical measurement components, Optionally, the above housing has a substantially cylindrical shape. The power meter according to claim 5.

7. The above-mentioned first electrical measurement component comprises at least one of a set of first current transducers and / or a set of first voltage transducers. The above set of the first current transducers is, The first phase of the above distribution power supply, The first phase of the above-mentioned first distributed energy resource device, The first phase of the second distributed energy resource device described above, The first phase of the above load It is configured to monitor the current in at least one of the and / or The above set of first voltage transducers is, The first phase of the above distribution power supply, The first phase of the above-mentioned first distributed energy resource device, The first phase of the second distributed energy resource device described above, The first phase of the above load Configured to monitor the voltage in at least one of the following: The power meter according to claim 5.

8. The above-mentioned second electrical measurement component comprises at least one of a second set of current transducers and / or a second set of voltage transducers. The above set of second current transducers is, The second phase of the above distribution power supply, The second phase of the first distributed energy resource device described above, The second phase of the second distributed energy resource device described above, The second phase of the above load It is configured to monitor the current in at least one of the and / or The above set of second voltage transducers is, The second phase of the above distribution power supply, The second phase of the first distributed energy resource device described above, The second phase of the second distributed energy resource device described above, The second phase of the above load Configured to monitor the voltage in at least one of the following: The power meter according to claim 7.

9. The system further comprises a processing and acquisition circuit configured to acquire and process measurement values ​​from the first and second electrical measurement components described above. The power meter according to claim 5.

10. The above power meter is further equipped with a communication module, The above communication module is configured to enable communication with other meters and / or utilities. The power meter according to claim 1.

11. The power meter according to claim 1, A power meter system comprising a power meter socket having a plurality of receptacles configured to receive the above-mentioned power meter, The above-mentioned power meter socket is The set of the first conductive paths described above is configured to connect to the first phase of the power distribution, the first phase of the first distributed energy resource device, the first phase of the second distributed energy resource device, and the first phase of the load. The set of the second conductive paths described above is configured to connect to the second phase of the power distribution, the second phase of the first distributed energy resource device, the second phase of the second distributed energy resource device, and the second phase of the load. Electricity metering system.

12. The socket described above includes at least one neutral connection path configured to form a neutral conduction path between the power meter, the power distribution power supply, the first distributed energy resource device, the second distributed energy resource device, and the neutral conductor of the load. The system according to claim 10.

13. A method of using the power meter described in claim 1, The above meter is connected to the distribution power supply, the first distributed energy resource device, the second distributed energy resource device, and the load via the corresponding meter socket. method.

14. The steps include configuring the first controllable electrical disconnection switch of the meter to connect the first distributed energy resource device to the load and / or the second distributed energy resource device, The steps include configuring a second controllable electrical connection switch of the meter to connect the second distributed energy resource device to the load and / or the first distributed energy resource device, The steps include configuring a third controllable electrical disconnection switch for the meter, which is configured to disconnect the power distribution from the first distributed energy resource device, the load, and / or the second distributed energy resource device, The method according to claim 13.

15. The calculation of power for the port of the above power meter is as follows: The power of the first phase at the port is determined by multiplying the current of the first phase measured at the port by the measured line voltage related to the first phase. The power of the second phase at the port is determined by multiplying the current of the second phase measured at the port by the measured line voltage related to the second phase. This includes performing the action by adding the power of the first phase to the power of the second phase. The method according to claim 13.

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