Systems and methods for meter communications

Abstract

Methods performed by a a long range (LoRa) electric meter (200) wirelessly connected to communicate with a LoRaWAN network (110) and corresponding devices, systems, and computer-readable mediums. A method includes measuring (302) energy consumption and resources data (254) of a local power facility over time, by the LoRa electric meter (200), and storing the energy consumption and resources data in a local storage (208). The method includes communicating (308), by the LoRa electric meter (200) and via the LoRaWAN network (110), with a LoRa network server (108). The method includes performing (310) an action, by the LoRa electric meter (200), based on the communications with the LoRa network server (108).

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR METER COMMUNICATIONSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is directed, in general, to electric meters and related systems.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Traditional electric meters lack digital communication capabilities. New electric “smart” meters have the ability to communicate some limited data, such as enabling 15-minute interval usage data over a proprietary communications systems, either wired or wireless. However, these “smart” meters have very little benefit to the consumer itself. Improved systems are desirable.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Various disclosed embodiments include methods performed by a long range (LoRa) electric meter wirelessly connected to communicate with a LoRaWAN network and corresponding devices, systems, and computer-readable mediums. A method includes measuring energy consumption and resources data of a local power facility over time, by the LoRa electric meter, and storing the energy consumption and resources data in a local storage. The method includes communicating, by the LoRa electric meter and via the LoRaWAN network, with a LoRa network server. The method includes performing an action, by the LoRa electric meter, based on the communications with the LoRa network server.

[0004] In some cases, the method also includes producing one or more power profiles based on the energy consumption and resources data. The action can include transmitting the one or more power profiles to the LoRa network server. The one or more power profiles can include records of electrical energy consumption over time, records of electrical energy generation over time, or records of electrical energy storage over time.

[0005] In some cases, the method also includes producing one or more power predictions based on the energy consumption and resources data. The action can include transmitting the one or more power predictions to the LoRa network server. The one or more power predictions can include a prediction of future electrical energy consumption requirements, a prediction of future electrical energy generation, or a prediction of future electrical energy storage levels or capacity.

[0006] In various embodiments, the action includes transmitting some or all of the energy consumption and resources data to the LoRa network server. In various embodiments, communicating with the LoRa network server includes transmitting a request to purchase energy to the LoRa network server and the action includes purchasing and receiving energy from the LoRa network server, power provider, or another consumer. In various embodiments, communicating with the LoRa network server includes transmitting an offer to sell energy to the LoRa network server and the action includes selling energy to the LoRa network server, power provider, or another consumer.

[0007] Various embodiments include a LoRa electric meter comprising a processor, a memory, a non-volatile storage, and a LoRaWAN wireless transceiver, configured to perform a processes as disclosed herein. Various embodiments include an electrical meter network system comprising a plurality of LoRa electric meters each having a processor, a memory, a non-volatile storage, and a LoRaWAN wireless transceiver, where each LoRa electric meter configured to perform processes as disclosed herein. Various embodiments include a non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with executable instructions that, when executed, cause a LoRa electric meter to perform processes as disclosed herein.

[0008] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description that follows. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure in its broadest form.

[0009] Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, whether such a device is implemented in hardware, firmware, software or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skillin the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. While some terms may include a wide variety of embodiments, the appended claims may expressly limit these terms to specific embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers designate like objects, and in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an electrical meter network system in accordance with disclosed embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of components of a LoRa meter in accordance with disclosed embodiments; and

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a process in accordance with disclosed embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] FIGURES 1 through 3, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged device. The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with reference to exemplary non-limiting embodiments.

[0015] There have been limited attempts to improve the current standard “dumb” electric meter infrastructure. Grid modernization has been adding new software and systems that can increase the computation and communication capabilities at the utility and the distributors. Homes are now able to produce energy through photovoltaic Solar Panels. Commercial buildings and communities can form their own micro-grid. With these advances, the traditional producer-consumer pattern in the energy market is an anachronism.

[0016] There are an increasing number of energy-generating “prosumers” who both produce and consume energy at the same time. These prosumers can choose intelligently when to consume energy from the utility and when to store excess solar energy. However, energy meters installed at buildings lack the communication and computation capabilities required in order to generate valuable insights into energy consumption and patterns. Disclosed embodiments include systems and methods to extend the capabilities of electric meters and simultaneously enable low-cost communication using existing network technologies.

[0017] Current energy meters can only use limited communication, typically either over proprietary networks to the energy delivery company or to a building management system. These communications are typically limited to an energy consumption “meter reading.” These meter readings are used to charge customers monthly for energy utilization at a fixed rate per kilowatt hour (KWH).

[0018] The meter readings are collected using various methods, including manual meter reading, cellular communication, Meter-Bus (M-BUS), and power line communication. These forms of communication can only transmit data to a utilityprovider. These meters are unable to talk to “peer” meters in a local community or to other providers who may be able to deliver energy at a competitive rate. There has been little incentive for an electric provider to make electric meters more intelligent to able to inter-communicate.

[0019] In the area of consumer electronics, low power wide area networks have been commercially deployed, including “community-based” networks that use customer- owned consumer electronics as a data communication backbone and to enable long- range, low -bandwidth networking and free low-speed data. One example of this is the SIDEWALK shared networking system by Amazon Technologies, Inc.

[0020] Similarly there are other LoRaWAN network service providers that use the LORAWAN Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) networking protocol to provide a publicly available network server similar to the way in which cell towers provide cellular coverage around the globe. The LoRaWAN specification can be found, at time of filing, at resources.lora-alliance.org.

[0021] Disclosed embodiments include a pluggable long-range (LoRa) communication extension device that is installed on, in, or in communication with energy meters and are able to communicate with server systems, such as LoRaWAN network servers. Data communicated by each meter can be accessed and used by other meters in communication with the same server system. Such an implementation provides a many-to-many data transmission paradigm.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an electrical meter network system 100 in accordance with disclosed embodiments. In this example, a number of buildings 102 are connected to one or more physical electrical grids 104 of the conventional type. Buildings 102 can be commercial or residential. Buildings 102 are each equipped with a long-range wireless communications meter (LoRa Meter) 106, which is connected and configured to monitor and manage power between the respective building 102 and the electrical grid(s) 104.

[0023] LoRa meters 106 are also connected to communicate in a wireless network using wireless communications with LoRa network server 108 to perform processes as described herein. In various embodiments, each LoRa meter 106 can communicatewirelessly and directly with the LoRa network server 108. In other embodiments, each LoRa meter 106 can communicate with the LoRa network server 108 over multiple wired or wireless communication links, including as part of a wireless mesh network comprising the LoRa meters 106. In FIG. 1, wireless network 110 between LoRa meters 106 and the LoRa network server 108 are represented by the “lightning bolt” symbols. Wireless network 110 can be, in particular, a long-range wide area network (LoRaWAN) network.

[0024] LoRa network server 108 can be implemented by any server computer system(s), each having at least a processor and an accessible memory, configured and programmed to perform processes as described herein. Wireless network 110 is not necessarily limited to the LoRa meters 106 and the LoRa network server 108 illustrated here but may include other devices and in particular may be a publicly- accessible network that wirelessly connects other devices and services, and may be connected to the Internet or other wired networks at a wired / wireless access point.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of components of a LoRa meter 200 in accordance with disclosed embodiments, that can be used, for example, as a LoRa meter 106 in FIG. 1. In this example, LoRa meter 200 includes a processor 202 and accessible memory 204 connected to an internal communications bus 206. Also connected to communications bus 206 is storage 208, which can be any suitable machine usable or machine readable storage medium, including but not limited to nonvolatile, hard-coded type mediums such as read only memories (ROMs) or erasable, electrically programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic tape storage, and user-recordable type mediums such as floppy disks, hard disk drives and compact disk read only memories (CD-ROMs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs), and other known optical, electrical, or magnetic storage devices. Storage 208 is configured to store any data necessary or useful for performing processes as described herein. This includes, but is not limited to program code 252, energy consumption and resources data 254, power profiles 256, power predictions 258, communications and messages 260, program code 262, and other data 264, which can include any other data, code, or other information necessary or useful for performing processes as described herein.

[0026] Also connected to communications bus 206 is electric power mains interface 212, which is connected to power mains 206 (not part of the LoRa meter 200). Electric power mains interface 212 is configured to be controlled by processor 202 to perform processes as described herein, and is configured to perform conventional metering and control functions (e.g., measuring consumption, voltage, and current, and performing connect, disconnect, and other functions). Electric power mains interface 212 is also connected to provide and receive electric power between power mains 216 and local power interface 214.

[0027] Also connected to communications bus 206 is local power interface 214, which is connected to local power 218 (also “local power facility”). Local power 218 represents both the electrical system of the building associated with the LoRa meter 200 and also any power generation or storage sources associated with the LoRa meter 200, such as solar panels, battery systems, and others (and so local power 218 is not part of the LoRa meter 200). Local power interface 214 is configured to be controlled by processor 202 to perform processes as described herein and is configured to perform other control functions (e.g., performing connect, disconnect, and other functions for attached devices).

[0028] Also connected to communications bus 206 is wireless transceiver 210, which can be, in particular, a LORAWAN Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) wireless transceiver, and can be a wireless transceiver that operates using one or more other protocols. Wireless transceiver 210 is configured to wirelessly communicate with network 230, and via network 230, with a server 240 such as LoRa network server 108. Network 230 can be any public or private communications network or combination of networks, as known to those of skill in the art, including the Internet, commercial community-based networks, and others.

[0029] According to various embodiments, LoRa meter 200 is configured to perform a number of processes to monitor and control electrical consumption and / or generation. LoRa meter 200 can measure energy consumption of power from power mains 216 and any power produced by local power 218, can track historical consumption, can predict future consumption, can track electrical power costs, and can direct electrical purchases accordingly.

[0030] According to various embodiments, LoRa meter 200 communicates with the server 240 to manage power and information about power for the corresponding building. In particular, disclosed embodiments consider that server 240 is not under the sole control of the electric provider, but instead allows individual consumers to use their connected meters to perform any number of functions, including exchanging energy credits or loads between them.

[0031] For example, the energy cost from the power mains 216 is cheaper at 10:00AM than at 4:00PM, LoRa meter 200 may charge a battery system at 10:00AM from the power mains 216 then use locally-stored power rather than power from the power mains 216 at 4:00PM.

[0032] As another example, a first consumer with a LoRa meter 200 may have stored power or excess power generation from local power 218 at a given time, while a second consumer has a need for power when power is relatively expensive. Disclosed embodiments enable the first consumer to “sell” power at an agreed rate to the second consumer, so that the first consumer provides power to the power mains 216 from its local power 218, and the second consumer can consume the purchased power from its power mains 216. In this way, the LoRa meter 200 can manage communication and information to enable consumers to participate in energy trading and other energy transactions.

[0033] In various embodiments, with the use of a public LoRaWAN network server, the availability of LoRa is enormous. This can boost the efficiency and performance of a energy grid and improve Volt-Var control and Bang-Bang control and potentially help reduce peak load.

[0034] Since many publicly-available network systems are already built, there may zero infrastructure cost to implementation. Various embodiments consider that subscriptions to particular functions and features that are performed by or via the server 240 can be sold in a “pay as you go” model.

[0035] Disclosed embodiments enable data sharing among consumers and other users. Using disclosed system and methods, data aggregation and sharing becomes easy. By sharing usage and surplus energy data with neighbors, a “peer to peer” energy marketcan take birth, thereby sharing electricity to reduce dependence on non-renewables. This may also allow for reduction in transmission losses as demand is satisfied locally. Other technical advantages include net load forecasting and asset condition / health monitoring.

[0036] Figure 3 depicts a flowchart of a process 300 in accordance with disclosed embodiments that may be performed, for example, by a LoRa meter 200 in communication with an electrical meter network system 100 as disclosed herein. As disclosed herein with respect to various embodiments, LoRa meter 200 can communicate with one or more LoRa network servers 108 and with one or more other LoRa meters 200.

[0037] At 302, the LoRa meter measures energy consumption and resources data of local power 218 over time and stores the energy consumption and resources data in a local storage. This step can be performed continually or repeatably, such as every several minutes or every hour, so that the energy consumption and resources data comprises a dataset over time for local power 218 of such information as electrical energy consumption, electrical energy generation (such as by solar panels or other sources), electrical energy storage (e.g., in batteries or other storage devices), voltages, currents, powers, irregularities, and other information related to the local power energy usage, generation, and storage.

[0038] At 304, the LoRa meter can produce one or more power profiles based on the energy consumption and resources data. This can include, for example, records of electrical energy consumption over time, records of electrical energy generation over time (such as by solar panels or other sources), records of electrical energy storage over time (e.g., in batteries or other storage devices), and other information related to the local power energy usage, generation, and storage. These records can be created, stored, transmitted, or displayed as charts, tables, graphs, or otherwise.

[0039] At 306, the LoRa meter can produce one or more power predictions based on the power profile(s) and / or the energy consumption and resources data. Then can include, for example, a prediction of future electrical energy consumption requirements, a prediction of future electrical energy generation (such as by solar panels or other sources), a prediction of future electrical energy storage levels orcapacity, and other predictions of local power energy usage, generation, and storage. These predictions can be, for example, for one or more specific times, for one or more specific time or date ranges, or otherwise.

[0040] At 308, the LoRa meter can communicate with a LoRa network server. The communication can take many forms in various implementations. For example, the LoRa meter can transmit can some or all of the energy consumption and resources data to the LoRa network server. The LoRa meter can transmit one or more of the power profiles to the LoRa network server. The LoRa meter can transmit one or more of the power predictions to the LoRa network server.

[0041] The LoRa meter can receive information from the LoRa network server, such as electricity price information, requests to purchase energy, offers to sell energy, excess or needed power by other consumers, such as other consumers in the same building, neighborhood, city, or otherwise, alerts or other information regarding energy availability and requirements, and other information. The LoRa meter can thereby manage communication and information to enable consumers to participate in energy trading and other energy transactions as described above.

[0042] For example, the LoRa meter can transmit a request to purchase energy to the LoRa network server, including an offer for pricing, for example when the power prediction(s) indicate that the local power demand will exceed stored energy and generated energy at a time when retail power cost is high. The LoRa meter can transmit an offer to sell energy to the LoRa network server, including an offer for pricing, for example when the power prediction(s) indicate that the local power stored energy and generated energy will exceed the local power demand, so that excess energy can be sold to other consumers and injected to the power mains.

[0043] In some cases, communications with the LoRa network server can include communications with other LoRa meters via the LoRa network server or via the electrical meter network system.

[0044] At 310, the LoRa meter can perform an action based on the communications with the LoRa network server. The action can take many forms. For example, the LoRa meter can purchase energy from the LoRa network server, power provider, oranother consumer, and receive that energy over the electric power mains interface for delivery to the local power via the local power interface. The LoRa meter can sell energy to the LoRa network server, power provider or another consumer, and transmit that energy over the electric power mains interface for delivery to the power mains. The LoRa meter can regulate energy usage and control local power appliances or other units to accommodate excessive power demand or pricing.

[0045] As another example, at 310, the action can include interacting with a building management system or building energy management system to manage the energy requirements of a building or facility, purchase energy for use by the building, sell excess energy generated or stored in the building, identify opportunities for energy savings within the building, and to perform other such functions to help monitor, manage, and communicate energy information related to the building or facility.

[0046] Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that, unless specifically indicated or required by the sequence of operations, certain steps in the processes described above may be omitted, performed concurrently or sequentially, or performed in a different order.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, for simplicity and clarity, the full structure and operation of all networks, systems, and devices suitable for use with the present disclosure is not being depicted or described herein. Instead, only so much of the networks, systems, and devices as is unique to the present disclosure or necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure is depicted and described. The remainder of the construction and operation of the disclosed networks, systems, and devices may conform to any of the various current implementations and practices known in the art.

[0048] It is important to note that while the disclosure includes a description in the context of a fully functional system, those skilled in the art will appreciate that at least portions of the mechanism of the present disclosure are capable of being distributed in the form of instructions contained within a machine-usable, computer-usable, or computer-readable medium in any of a variety of forms, and that the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of instruction or signal bearing medium or storage medium utilized to actually carry out the distribution.Examples of machine usable / readable or computer usable / readable mediums include: nonvolatile, hard-coded type mediums such as read only memories (ROMs) or erasable, electrically programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), and user- recordable type mediums such as floppy disks, hard disk drives and compact disk read only memories (CD-ROMs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs).

[0049] Although an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, variations, and improvements disclosed herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure in its broadest form.

[0050] None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: the scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of these claims are intended to invoke 35 USC §112(f) unless the exact words "means for" are followed by a participle. The use of terms such as (but not limited to) “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “member,” “apparatus,” “machine,” “system,” “processor,” or “controller,” within a claim is understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f).

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method (300) performed by a long range (LoRa) electric meter (200) wirelessly connected to communicate with a LoRaWAN network (110), comprising: measuring (302) energy consumption and resources data (254) of a local power facility over time, by the LoRa electric meter (200), and storing the energy consumption and resources data in a local storage (208); communicating (308), by the LoRa electric meter (200) and via the LoRaWAN network (110), with a LoRa network server (108); performing (310) an action, by the LoRa electric meter (200), based on the communications with the LoRa network server (108).

2. The method (300) of claim 1, further comprising producing (304) one or more power profiles based on the energy consumption and resources data (254), wherein the action includes transmitting the one or more power profiles (256) to the LoRa network server (108).

3. The method (300) of claim 2, wherein the one or more power profiles (256) include records of electrical energy consumption over time, records of electrical energy generation over time, or records of electrical energy storage over time.

4. The method (300) of claim 1, further comprising producing (306) one or more power predictions (258) based on the energy consumption and resources data (254), wherein the action includes transmitting the one or more power predictions (258) to the LoRa network server (108).

5. The method (300) of claim 4, wherein the one or more power predictions (258) include a prediction of future electrical energy consumption requirements, a prediction of future electrical energy generation, or a prediction of future electrical energy storage levels or capacity.

6. The method (300) of claim 1, wherein the action includes transmitting some or all of the energy consumption and resources data (254) to the LoRa network server (108).

7. The method (300) of claim 1, wherein communicating with the LoRa network server (108) includes transmitting a request to purchase energy to the LoRa network server (108) and the action includes purchasing and receiving energy from the LoRa network server (108), power provider, or another consumer.

8. The method (300) of claim 1, wherein communicating (308) with the LoRa network server (108) includes transmitting an offer to sell energy to the LoRa network server (108) and the action includes selling energy to the LoRa network server (108), power provider, or another consumer.

9. A LoRa electric meter (200) comprising a processor (202), a memory (204), a non-volatile storage (208), and a LoRaWAN wireless transceiver (208), configured to perform a process (300) as in any of claims 1-8.

10. An electrical meter network system comprising a plurality of LoRa electric meters (200) each having a processor (202), a memory (204), a non-volatile storage (208), and a LoRaWAN wireless transceiver (210), each LoRa electric meter (210) configured to perform a process (300) as in any of claims 1-8.

11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium (208) encoded with executable instructions (262) that, when executed, cause a LoRa electric meter (200) to perform a process (300) as in any of claims 1-8.

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