Electrical energy meter

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrical energy meter for installation on a power line, comprising at least one electrical energy measurement device for measuring electrical energy in an electrical power line, measurement circuitry configured to provide at least one measurement of said electrical energy, and at least one output device for generating at least one output signal comprising said at least one measurement of said electrical energy. An electrical energy metering system comprising the meter and a detector configured for receiving at least one output signal from the meter are also provided. Furthermore, methods of using the meter and the system are provided.

Description

[0001] ELECTRICAL ENERGY METER

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to electrical energy meters.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] Commonly, electrical energy meters include a display from which energy consumption readings can be viewed and are therefore installed at a location where a user can readily view the display. In some cases, for example when measuring energy consumption from overhead power lines, the energy meter is located relatively far from the power line(s) being monitored, e.g. at the lower end of a pole that supports the power line, or on another structure remote from the power line(s). As such, as part of the installation procedure it is necessary to route the power line(s) to the meter, or to route current or voltage transformer / transducer secondary wiring to the energy meter, and may involve cutting the power line to connect the meter in series with the electrical power circuit being monitored. The installation procedure may also involve installation of the pole or other structure on which the meter is to be mounted.

[0006] Alternatively, or in addition, electrical energy meters may be provided with telecommunications equipment to enable them to communicate wirelessly with a remotely located control center. Not only does this complicate the meter itself, but it also complicates the installation and commissioning of the meter.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide an electrical energy metering system that is relatively simple and inexpensive in comparison with conventional systems, in particular with regard to installation, commissioning and / or equipment, while still being convenient to use.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrical energy metering system comprising: at least one electrical energy meter; and at least one detector device, wherein said at least one electrical energy meter comprises: at least one electrical energy measurement device for measuring electrical energy in an electrical power line; measurement circuitry configured to provide at least one measurement of said electrical energy; and at least one output device for generating at least one output signal comprising said at least one measurement of said electrical energy, and wherein said at least one detector device comprises at least one detector for receiving said at least one output signal.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrical energy meter for installation on a power line, comprising: at least one electrical energy measurement device for measuring electrical energy in an electrical power line; measurement circuitry configured to provide at least one measurement of said electrical energy; and at least one output device for generating at least one output signal comprising said at least one measurement of said electrical energy.

[0011] Optionally, the electrical energy meter further comprises a housing, the housing being configured for installation on the electrical power line.

[0012] Optionally, the housing comprises first and second housing parts that are at least partially detachable from each other to facilitate reception of at least one conductor of the electrical power line through a respective passage of the housing.

[0013] Optionally, the respective passage of the housing is configured to direct the conductor to a current measurement component of the measurement circuitry, wherein optionally the current measurement component comprises a Hall effect sensor or a current transformer arranged around the respective passage through which the conductor is received.

[0014] Optionally, the electrical energy meter comprises one or more inputs each configured for directly receiving a conductor of the electrical power line therethrough and each configured to direct the conductors to a current measurement component of the measurement circuitry. Optionally, the electrical energy meter further comprises two or more wires leading from the housing, wherein each wire includes attachment means at one end suitable for attaching the electrical energy meter directly or indirectly to a conductor of the electrical power line.

[0015] Optionally, the at least one output device comprises an optical output device, or a signal emitting element configured to emit signals selected from the group consisting of signals in the radio spectrum, ultraviolet signals, and audio signals.

[0016] Optionally, the signal(s) emitted by the output device(s) of the electrical energy meter comprising said at least one measurement of said electrical energy are emitted in encoded form.

[0017] Optionally, the electrical energy meter is configured to encode information relating to measurements taken by the measurement circuitry and cause the output device(s) to emit the at least one output signal.

[0018] Optionally, the signals outputted by the output device(s) are provided continuously, periodically with a pre-defined frequency, and / or in response to a request received from a user device or from a remotely located server

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an electrical energy metering method comprising: measuring electrical energy in an electrical power line; and generating at least one output signal comprising at least one measurement of said electrical energy.

[0020] Optionally, the method further includes detecting said at least one output signal using a detector device.

[0021] Optionally, the step of measuring electrical energy on the electrical power line comprises directing at least one conductor of the electrical power line through a respective passage of a housing of an electrical energy meter, wherein the respective passage of the housing is configured to direct the conductor to a current measurement component of measurement circuitry of the electrical energy meter. Optionally, the step of directing at least one conductor of the electrical power line through a respective passage of a housing of an electrical energy meter comprises opening the housing comprising two partially or fully detachable housing parts and closing said housing parts around said at least one conductor of the electrical power line.

[0022] Optionally, the step of measuring electrical energy on the electrical power line further comprises the step of attaching, by attachment means, one or more wires of the electrical energy meter directly or indirectly to a conductor of the electrical power line for electrical energy measurement.

[0023] Further advantageous aspects of the invention will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art from the following description of a specific embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] Figure l is a diagram illustrating an electrical energy meter embodying one aspect of the invention included in an electrical energy metering system embodying another aspect of the invention, the energy meter being shown installed on a power line;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating structural aspects of an electric energy meter embodying one aspect of the invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating different possible configurations of the electrical energy meter installed on a single-phase power line;

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of electrical energy meters embodying one aspect of the invention included in an electrical energy metering system embodying another aspect of the invention, the energy meters being shown installed on a four-wire a three-phase power line; Figure 5A is a diagram illustrating an electrical energy meter embodying one aspect of the invention included in an electrical energy metering system embodying another aspect of the invention, the energy meters being shown installed on a four-wire three-phase power line;

[0030] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating structural aspects of the electric energy meter of Figure 5 A;

[0031] Figure 6A is a diagram illustrating an electrical energy meter embodying one aspect of the invention included in an electrical energy metering system embodying another aspect of the invention, the energy meters being shown installed on a three-wire three-phase power line; and

[0032] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating structural aspects of the electric energy meter of Figure 6 A.

[0033] Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0034] Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings there is shown, generally indicated as 10, part of an electrical energy metering system embodying one aspect of the invention. The metering system 10 comprises an electrical energy meter 1 embodying one aspect of the invention. The electrical energy meter 1, which may also be referred to as an electrical power meter or electricity meter, is shown installed on a power line 3 and tap 2 that may comprise two or more electrical conductors. The illustrated power line 3 and tap 2 comprises a “live” or “phase” conductor 3L (21) and a neutral conductor 3N (2n), the energy meter 1 being connected to the conductors 3L (21), 3N (2n). The power line 3 and tap 2 may be carried by poles 11 (only one shown), e.g. a utility pole, pylon or other support structure(s) in conventional manner.

[0035] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, conductors 21, 2n connected to the conductors 3N, 3L of the power line 3 by branch clamps 9 route power to a consumer’s building (not presented). The energy meter 1 is attached to the conductors 21, 2n by wires 41, 4n which are part of the energy meter 1 either detachably or integrally. In preferred embodiments, the attachment means of the wires 41, 4n comprise branch clamps or any other means configured to facilitate removable attachment of the energy meter 1 to the conductors 21, 2n. The energy meter 1 is suspended from the conductors 21, 2n by the wires 41, 4n. Preferably, the dimensions and weight of the energy meter 1 are selected such that there is no requirement for additional support. For example, the energy meter 1 is preferably designed to be sufficiently lightweight such that affixment to the pole 11 is not required to support the energy meter 1 in place.

[0036] Multiple options for locating the energy meter 1 in relation to a single-phase power line are presented in Figure 1. In one embodiment, the energy meter 1(1) is located directly on the power line. In such an embodiment, the energy meter 1(1) is preferably configured with a housing configured to directly receive at least one of the electrical conductors 3N, 3L of the power line therein. Alternatively, the energy meter 1(2) may be connected indirectly to the power line by attaching to the conductors 2a, 2b which route power from the power line 3 to a consumer’s home. In another embodiment, the energy meter 1(3) may be connected to a conductor 2c that is anchored to the power line 3 by anchor 8 and leads to a consumer building. Element 8 is an anchor fastening a power line to a consumer, and belongs to the power line 3 fixing system and not the meter system 1.

[0037] The energy meter 1 comprises at least one electrical energy measurement device, best presented in Figures 2, 5B, and 6B, for measuring the electrical energy in the power line 3 to which it is connected or coupled. The, or each, electrical energy measurement device may take any conventional form. For example, in various embodiments the electrical energy measurement device may include one or more of the following known measurement devices: an ammeter, a Hall effect sensor, a current transformer (CT), a voltmeter, an ohmmeter, an impedance meter, an electrical conductivity meter, an induction disc, or a multimeter.

[0038] In embodiments where the energy meter 1 is configured for use with a single-phase power line, at least one CT or other current sensor type is located on the phase conductor 3L. However, even in embodiments relating to single-phase power lines more than one CT or other current sensor type may be installed on both neutral and phase conductors of the power line. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram for the installation of the single-phase energy meter 1(1) in Figure 1 on a single-phase power line comprised of a neutral conductor 3N and phase conductor 3L. Wires 41, 4n of the energy meter 1 connect both the neutral and live conductors 3N, 3L to the energy meter 1(1) at input 1-2, which routes current to the energy measurement device 2 for the taking of various measurements such as, but not limited to, a voltage reading. The single-phase energy meter 1(1) is additionally placed directly on the live conductor 3L, such that the live conductor 3L runs through input 1-1. In order to achieve this connection, the energy meter 1 may comprise a housing (not illustrated) formed of at least two parts that are at least partially detachable from one another. For example, the two parts of the housing may be hinged at one side such that the housing can be opened and closed over the conductor 3L. At the other side of the hinged arrangement, a locking mechanism is preferably included to ensure that the housing remains closed after installation on the power line 3. The input 1-1 preferably comprises a Hall Effect sensor or a current transformer such that energy measurements can be taken from the conductor 3L. In embodiments where the input 1-1 comprises a Hall effect sensor, the input 1-1 may comprise a magnetic flux concentrator such as a ferrite magnetic conductor to augment the measurement of current. Advantageously, the arrangement in which the housing is closed around the conductor 3L removes any necessity to mechanically alter or interfere with the power line 3 such as by line cutting.

[0039] The energy meter 1 includes measurement circuitry connected to, or incorporating, the measurement device 2. The measurement circuitry may be configured to perform a variety of measurements as desired by the utility company, municipality, or other installer or user of the meter 1. For example, in various embodiments the measurement circuitry may determine instantaneous electrical power or energy in the power line, total consumed electrical power or energy in the power line, current, voltage, resistance, impedance, conductance, and so on. In some embodiments, the measurement circuitry includes one or more processors configured to perform measurement calculations or estimations on-board the device. In addition or alternatively, the calculations may be performed at a remote location such as at a remotely located server. In embodiments where calculations are performed remotely, the meter 1 is configured with wireless communications suitable for communication by any of the known means, including satellite communication, cellular connection such as 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G, Bluetooth, RF, Wi-Fi, microwave or infra-red, and so on. Components of the measurement circuitry, and other elements of the energy meter 1, are appropriately selected at manufacture dependent on the voltage class of the lines on which the sensor is placed. In the context of this disclosure, “low” voltage is a voltage of less than or equal to IkV, whilst “high” voltage is a voltage greater than about IkV.

[0040] The housing is appropriately dimensioned for containing the electrical energy measurement device 2 and the measurement circuitry. The housing may be formed from any suitable material. Preferably the housing is at least partially formed of insulating, weather-resistant plastics. In some embodiments the housing is at least partially formed from a polycarbonate. The preferred housing is configured to provide a respective passage by which at least one conductor 3L, 3N passes through the housing when the meter 1 is installed. In preferred embodiments, first and second opposite ends of the housing include, for each passage, a respective aperture through which the respective conductor 3L, 3N passes when the meter 1 is installed on the power line 3. Preferably, the measurement device 2 is located and / or otherwise arranged with respect to the respective passage such that the respective conductor 3L passes through, or otherwise couples with, the measurement device 2 when the meter 1 is installed on the power line 3.

[0041] In preferred embodiments, the housing can be opened to allow each conductor 3L, 3N to be received by the respective passage, and subsequently closed thereby mechanically coupling the housing to the power line 3, and so installing the meter 1 on the line 3. To this end, the preferred housing comprises first and second housing parts that are at least partially detachable from each other. When the housing parts are detached, the housing may be said to be open and the passages are exposed to allow each conductor 3L to be received. The housing parts may then be brought together to close the housing, thereby mechanically coupling the housing to the power line 3. In preferred embodiments, the aperture(s) in the opposite ends of the housing are intersected by the interface between the first and second housing parts. The first and second housing parts may be completely detachable from each other, or may be joined together by one or more hinge or other coupling that allows relative movement between the housing parts to open and close the housing. When the housing is closed, the housing parts may be held together by any suitable fastening means, e.g. screw(s), clip(s) and / or locking device(s).

[0042] The energy meter 1 preferably also includes one or more outputs 1-3, 1-4. The output(s) 1-3, 1-4 are preferably configured for emitting signals containing information such as energy measurement readings taken by the meter 1. In various embodiments, the output(s) may comprise optical output device(s) or electromagnetic signal output device(s) such as radio signal output device(s). In a preferred embodiment, the energy meter 1 comprises two optical output devices 1-3, 1-4. One of the optical output devices may be configured together with measurement circuitry of the energy meter 1 for outputting a signal 5 that contains information including electrical energy measurement data. For example, the information may be encoded in an optical signal by means of a blinking sequence of optical output devices. The encoded information may include, but is not limited to, the meter ID, an energy reading, a power estimate such as average power used, and total power consumption. The step of preparing the encoded information in the form of a signal may be performed by processor(s) on board the meter 1 or remote to the meter 1, according to the known means for encoding information in optical, audio, or electromagnetic form. The second of the optical output devices 1-4 may be configured for outputting a signal 6 that is used for verification of the energy meter 1.

[0043] The output signal from the optical output device(s) 1-3, 1-4 or other signal emitting elements may be provided continuously, periodically with a pre-defined frequency, or on demand. For example, in some embodiments the optical output device(s) or other signal emitting elements may only emit a signal with encoded information upon receipt of a demand from a user device such as a mobile device, a tablet, a computer device, or the like, in order to reduce the average energy consumption of the meter 1. In further embodiments, the optical output device(s) or other signal emitting elements may only emit a signal with encoded information upon receipt of a demand from a remotely located server. For example, a periodic reading of the meter 1 may be scheduled by an agent for a given date and time which is then recorded in a database, and instructions are stored on the server or elsewhere such that the server instructs the meter 1 to activate the optical output device(s) or other signal emitting elements on the specified date at the specified time.

[0044] The optical output devices may be connected to, or incorporated into, the measurement circuitry. In preferred embodiments, the, or each, optical output device is of a type that produces optical signals in the visible, ultraviolet or infrared wavelength ranges. The, or each, optical output device may comprise one or more light source, for example LED(s) or laser source(s). In addition or alternatively to the optical output devices, the energy meter 1 may include one or more other signal emitting elements (not presented) for generating the output signal(s) from the meter 1. The source(s) of the output device(s) are selected to emit an optical signal that provides stable contactless transmission of information from the energy meter 1 to a user with device 40.

[0045] The signal emitting elements can be configured to emit electromagnetic signals such as signals in the radio spectrum including radio frequency (RF) signals, infrared signals, microwave signals and the like, audio signals such as ultrasound signals, and so on.

[0046] In preferred embodiments, the, or each, optical output device is located and / or otherwise arranged in order to propagate (into free space) the optical output signal(s) from a bottom or underside of the energy meter 1, or otherwise such that the optical output signal(s) are directed downwardly when the meter 1 is installed on the power line 3. The arrangement may be such that the optical output signal(s) are directed vertically downwardly, or obliquely downwardly with respect to vertical, in use. In preferred embodiments, the, or each, optical output device is located at a bottom face of the housing, or at least such that the optical output signal(s) propagate from the bottom face. Alternatively, the, each, optical output device may be located at an upper face, a side face, or an end face of the housing.

[0047] The energy metering system 10 further includes at least one detector device 40 , visible in Figure 3. The at least one detector device 40 is configured for detecting the output signal(s) from the energy meter. For example, each detector device 40 may comprise at least one optical detector for detecting, from free space, the optical output signal(s) produced by the energy meter 1. The optical detector may take any suitable conventional form, e.g. a camera, or one or more light sensor (e.g. for detecting visible, IR or UV light as applicable), or photodetector(s). The detector device 40 conveniently comprises a hand-held, or portable, computing device such as a smartphone, a laptop computer or a tablet computer. Such computing devices are typically equipped with one or more camera, light sensor(s) and / or optical port for receiving optical signals through free-space. Alternatively, the detector device 40 may comprise a dedicated computing device. In preferred embodiments, the detector device 40 of the energy metering system 10 is configured to decode the received output signals emitted by the optical output device(s) or other signal emitting elements. For example, in the case of a software application on a detector device 40, the app may include instructions stored in memory for the processor to interpret specific sequences of optical or other signals. In cases where a signal could be not detected or decoded, the detector device 40 may be configured to provide a visual and / or audio notification to the user of the detector device 40. In some embodiments, the detector device 40 may be able to provide a recommendation for correcting the issue, such as moving closer to the source of the signal or removing visual obstacles from the line of sight of the camera towards the optical output device(s).

[0048] In embodiments where the optical output device(s) are used, the meter 1 is installed on the power line 3, the arrangement being such that the optical output signal(s) from the meter 1 propagate downwardly, as is illustrated by optical output beam 5 in Figure 3. The optical output beam 50 from the energy meter 1 is typically a divergent beam. The detector device 40 is brought within the field of the beam 5 in order that it can receive the optical output signal(s). This can conveniently be achieved by a user (not visible), holding the detector device 40, positioning himself or herself below the energy meter 1. Hence, the meter 1 can be read remotely. In embodiments where optical output device(s) are located on an upper face of the housing, the meter reading can be taken by a user with the detector device 40 whilst they have climbed the pole 11.

[0049] Referring to Figure 4, an embodiment of the energy metering system 10 in which multiple single-phase energy meters 1(A), 1(B), 1(C) are installed directly on the phase power lines 3 A, 3B, 3C of a four-wire, three-phase power line is presented. In the embodiment illustrated, the energy meter is not placed directly on the neutral conductor 3N, although this can be done if desired. Each meter 1(A), 1(B), 1(C) comprises its own optical output device(s) 1-3, 1-4 that emit optical output beams 5(A), 5(B), 5(C) encoding information related to energy measurements taken by measurement circuitry. Although in the illustration of Figure 4 the optical output beams are depicted as being divergent beams that overlap and form an area in which it is possible to read readings from all three meters simultaneously using one device 40, the task of receiving from multiple sources is successfully solved by diversity in transmission time, the use of different identifiers for different transmitters, or spatial diversity of transmission sources (for optical transmission in the visible range). For example, the energy meters 1(A), 1(B), 1(C) may be configured in relation to one another such that their optical output signals are emitted at different times, at different wavelengths of light, or only upon receipt of a request from a user device such as detector device 40. This configuration of meters 1(A), 1(B), 1(C) may be completed by a user who installs the meters, or alternatively the meters 1(A), 1(B), 1(C) may be configured with software and wireless communication means such that they can communicate to determine their proximity to one another and, based upon a calculation of likely interference of optical output signals, adjust their signal timing sequence in relation to one another, or adjust the wavelength of light at which they each emit signals, so that a user would have to read signals separately. The determination of proximity could be performed using any of the known means, such as a time-of-flight measurement or a received signal strength indicator.

[0050] Referring to Figure 5 A, there is illustrated an embodiment of the energy metering system 10 in which one three-phase energy meter 1 is installed directly on a four-wire, three-phase power line comprising phase conductors 3A, 3B, 3C, and neutral conductor 3N. Wires 4a, 4b, 4c, 4n connect the neutral conductor 3N and phase conductors 3A, 3B, 3C of the power line to the input 1-2 for voltage measurement (Figure 5B). The energy meter 1 is additionally placed directly on the power lines 3A, 3B, 3C to receive the phase conductors through input 1-1 for current measurement. In order to receive all three power lines 3 A, 3B, 3C through input I- 1, the housing may be configured to be sufficiently large to close around each power line 3A, 3B, 3C without significantly altering their path.

[0051] Referring to Figure 6A, there is illustrated an embodiment of the energy metering system 10 in which one three-phase energy meter 1 is installed directly on a three-wire, three-phase power line comprising phase conductors 3A, 3B, 3C. Wires 4a, 4b, 4c connect all three phase conductors 3 A, 3B, 3C of the power line to the input 1-2 for voltage measurement (Figure 6B). The energy meter 1 is additionally placed directly on the power lines 3 A, 3B to receive the phase conductors 3 A, 3B through input 1-1 for current measurement.

[0052] It will be apparent from the foregoing that preferred embodiments of the invention provide some or all of the following advantages:

[0053] • The meter 1 is installed directly onto the power line 3 where energy is measured, and so there is no need for routing the power line to the energy meter installation location, or providing additional structures for carrying the meter.

[0054] • The meter 1 is installed on the existing power line 3, and so installation does not require line cutting to install the meter.

[0055] • The meter 1 is read locally, but without the need for a visual display by which the user can read the meter readings (the meter 1 may or may not have a display unit, but in any case the meter 1 does not need to be located such that the user with the detector device 40 can read it easily, i.e. the user with detector device 40 does not need to be within unaided reading distance of the meter 1), and without the need for establishing remote communication with, for example, a SCADA center or other remotely located control center (which usually requires mobile network integration or direct communication interface, such as optic fiber etc.). The meter l is a standalone device where measurement readings can be performed locally using a handheld device (although the meter may optionally be equipped for telecommunication with a remote control center).

[0056] • Meter reading can conveniently be performed using, say, a smartphone camera to receive the optical output signal from the meter 1, which may contain electric energy data (optionally as well as relevant associated information like meter ID and other data as necessary) encoded into, for example, the LED (or LEDs) blinking sequence.

[0057] Accordingly, the preferred electrical energy metering system is relatively simple and inexpensive in comparison with conventional systems, in particular with regard to installation, commissioning and / or equipment, while still being convenient to use.

[0058] The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An electrical energy metering system comprising: at least one electrical energy meter; and at least one detector device, wherein said at least one electrical energy meter comprises: at least one electrical energy measurement device for measuring electrical energy in an electrical power line; measurement circuitry configured to provide at least one measurement of said electrical energy; and at least one output device for generating at least one output signal comprising said at least one measurement of said electrical energy, and wherein said at least one detector device comprises at least one detector for receiving said at least one output signal.

2. An electrical energy meter for installation on a power line, comprising: at least one electrical energy measurement device for measuring electrical energy in an electrical power line; measurement circuitry configured to provide at least one measurement of said electrical energy; and at least one output device for generating at least one output signal comprising said at least one measurement of said electrical energy.

3. The electrical energy meter of claim 2, further comprising a housing, the housing being configured for installation on the electrical power line.

4. The electrical energy meter of claim 3, wherein the housing comprises first and second housing parts that are at least partially detachable from each other to facilitate reception of at least one conductor of the electrical power line through a respective passage of the housing.

5. The electrical energy meter of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the respective passage of the housing is configured to direct the conductor to a current measurement component of the measurement circuitry, wherein optionally the current measurement componentcomprises a Hall effect sensor or a current transformer arranged around the respective passage through which the conductor is received.

6. The electrical energy meter of claim 5, comprising one or more inputs each configured for directly receiving a conductor of the electrical power line therethrough and each configured to direct the conductors to a current measurement component of the measurement circuitry.

7. The electrical energy meter of claims 3-6, further comprising two or more wires leading from the housing, wherein each wire includes attachment means at one end suitable for attaching the electrical energy meter directly or indirectly to a conductor of the electrical power line.

8. The electrical energy meter of claims 2-7, wherein the at least one output device comprises an optical output device, or a signal emitting element configured to emit signals selected from the group consisting of signals in the radio spectrum, ultraviolet signals, and audio signals.

9. The electrical energy meter of claims 2-8, wherein the signal(s) emitted by the output device(s) comprising said at least one measurement of said electrical energy are emitted in encoded form.

10. The electrical energy meter of claim 9, being configured to encode information relating to measurements taken by the measurement circuitry and cause the output device(s) to emit the at least one output signal.

11. The electrical energy meter of claims 2-10, wherein the signals outputted by the output device(s) are provided continuously, periodically with a pre-defined frequency, and / or in response to a request received from a user device or from a remotely located server12. An electrical energy metering method comprising: measuring electrical energy in an electrical power line; andgenerating at least one output signal comprising at least one measurement of said electrical energy.

13. The method of claim 12, further including detecting said at least one output signal using a detector device.

14. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the step of measuring electrical energy on the electrical power line comprises directing at least one conductor of the electrical power line through a respective passage of a housing of an electrical energy meter, wherein the respective passage of the housing is configured to direct the conductor to a current measurement component of measurement circuitry of the electrical energy meter.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of directing at least one conductor of the electrical power line through a respective passage of a housing of an electrical energy meter comprises opening the housing comprising two partially or fully detachable housing parts and closing said housing parts around said at least one conductor of the electrical power line.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of measuring electrical energy on the electrical power line further comprises the step of attaching, by attachment means, one or more wires of the electrical energy meter directly or indirectly to a conductor of the electrical power line for electrical energy measurement.

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