Fluid meter and method of installation

Abstract

A meter for metering consumption of a fluid is disclosed. The meter comprises a circuit comprising: at least one sensor for sensing a pressure and / or presence of the fluid; and a communications module. The circuit is configured to operate in a first mode in which the communications module is deactivated and the at least one sensor is activated, and a second mode in which at least the communications module is activated. The circuit is configured to transition between the first mode and the second mode in response to at least one signal from the respective at least one sensor. Also disclosed is a method of installing a meter for metering consumption of a fluid.

Description

[0001] FLUID METER AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure is in the field of fluid meters and methods of installation of fluid meters, and relates in particular to fluid meters that are configured to automatically transition between a reduced-functionality mode for shipping and warehousing and an activated mode following installation. The disclosure is also in the field of methods of installation.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

[0005] Meters, such as fluid meters, may be used for metering consumption of a resource at a premises. For example, a fluid meter may be implemented at a domestic, commercial or industrial premises for metering consumption of a fluid, such as a fuel gas. A fuel gas may comprise, for example, a hydrocarbon-based gas such as natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, propane, methane, or the like.

[0006] While some metering devices may provide only basic metering functions, other metering devices, known in the art as ‘smart-meters’, may provide more advanced functionality, such as control and communications functionality.

[0007] In an example, some metering devices may be configured to communicate information relating to consumption of resources. In another example, some metering devices may be configured to receive information such as billing information and control signals. In examples, transmission of information relating to consumption of metered resources may simplify automated billing, reduce operational costs, and may enable advanced analytics of resource consumption.

[0008] Fluid meters, such as ultrasonic gas meters, may be carefully and thoughtfully designed such that the meter may operate on a battery or set of batteries for 20-years in the field, along with an allowance for shipping and warehousing. However, the above described functionality, and in particular communications to support smart-meter functionality, may consume substantial amounts of power.

[0009] To minimize an amount of energy consumed during storage and transport, existing meters may need to be manually activated / enabled by an installer or user following installation. Such a manual process may be prone to errors and mistakes.

[0010] 14141162-1 It is therefore desirable to provide a meter that is capable of providing the above-described functionality, e.g. a ‘smart meter’, yet also be capable of reliably operating for at least 20 years on standard batteries or energy storage devices. It is further desired that such a meter is relatively straightforward to install and of low maintenance.

[0011] It is therefore an aim of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present disclosure to obviate or at least mitigate at least one of the above identified shortcomings of the prior art.

[0012] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0013] The present disclosure is in the field of fluid meters, and relates in particular to fluid meters that are configured to automatically transition between a reduced- functionality mode for shipping and warehousing an activated mode following installation.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a meter for metering consumption of a fluid. The meter comprises a circuit comprising: at least one sensor for sensing a pressure and / or presence of the fluid; and a communications module. The circuit is configured to operate in a first mode in which the communications module is deactivated and the at least one sensor is activated, and a second mode in which at least the communications module is activated. The circuit is configured to transition between the first mode and the second mode in response to at least one signal from the respective at least one sensor.

[0015] That is, in some examples the second mode may be activated due to a response, e.g. a sensed or detected event, signal or the like, from the one or more sensors. In some examples, the second mode may be activated due to a response from as few as one of the sensors. A response from the one or more sensors may comprise a change in a signal level and / or data value from the one or more sensors.

[0016] A transition between the first mode and the second mode may be a transition from the first mode to the second mode.

[0017] A transition to the second mode may be referred to herein as activation of the second mode.

[0018] The disclosed meter effectively provides an auto-activation of the meter, wherein metering operation of the meter may commence automatically following installation, and when a fluid is presented to the meter.

[0019] 14141162-1 Such a meter configured to automatically activate may be superior to prior art meters. This is because the disclosed meter prevents installation errors by an install technician, who may neglect to manually activate the meter following installation. That is, without such automatic activation, the only remedy to an activated meter that has not been activated may be to dispatch another technician to manually activate the meter, which may be very costly.

[0020] The communications module may, in use, consume considerably more power than the at least one sensor, and thus keeping the communications module deactivated until the meter is installed may prolong a lifetime of batteries of the meter.

[0021] Furthermore, keeping the communications module disabled during transit from an assembly site to an installation location for installation may be beneficial, and in some territories may be required to meet regulations, e.g. such as on aircraft.

[0022] The communications module may be configured for wireless communications. The communications module may be configured to communicate over a cellular network. The communications module may be configured to communicate in a wireless mesh network. Such a wireless mesh network may comprise a Time Synchronous Channel Hopping (TSCH) network. Such a network may rely on IEEE 802.15.4e for channel management.

[0023] In some examples, the term ‘deactivated’ may mean functionally disabled. In other examples, the term ‘deactivated’ may mean not-powered.

[0024] As described in more detail below, when the circuit is configured to operate in the first mode in which the communications module is deactivated and the at least one sensor is activated, the at least one sensor may not be activated continuously, e.g. configured to sense continuously. For example, in the first mode the at least one sensor may be configured to be activated for only a short period of time, periodically, intermittently, or the like.

[0025] In examples, the first mode may comprise a first low power state for periodically sampling for presence of fuel gas. The first mode may comprise a second low power state for periodically sampling for pressure of the fuel gas.

[0026] In examples, in the first mode, the circuit may operate in the first low power state configured to periodically sample for presence of fuel gas (such as using an ultrasonic pressure sensor as described herein). Upon sensing presence of the fuel gas, the circuit may then operate in the second low power state to enable the pressure sensor to confirm the fuel gas. Then if both are true (presence detected and with

[0027] 14141162-1 sufficient pressure), the circuit may transition to the second mode, e.g. the meter may be activated.

[0028] Similarly, as described in more detail below, when the circuit is configured to operate in the second mode in which at least the communications module is activated, the communications module may be configured to be activated for only a short period of time, periodically, intermittently, in response to another signal, or the like.

[0029] The at least one sensor may comprise a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure of the fluid.

[0030] Typically, a supply of fluid, e.g. fuel gas, to the meter is under a pressure greater than a surrounding atmospheric pressure, and thus may be sensed by a pressure sensor. Beneficially, this may provide a means of sensing that the meter is connected to a supply of the fluid.

[0031] The at least one signal may comprise a signal from the pressure sensor indicating a pressure exceeding a predefined and / or pre-programmed threshold value.

[0032] That is, to ensure the meter is only activated upon a correct and reliable installation to a supply of fluid, a threshold level may be defined. The threshold level may be, for example, stored in a memory device of the meter. In other examples, the threshold level may be defined by the circuit, e.g. by a comparator or the like that may compare an output of the at least one sensor to a reference value defining the threshold.

[0033] The at least one signal may comprise a signal from the pressure sensor indicating a pressure of at least 0.18 pounds per square inch gauge.

[0034] In installations at domestic premises, a pressure in the region 0.25 pounds per square inch gauge may typically be sensed following correct installation to a reliable supply of fluid. As such, a threshold value of at least 0.18 pounds per square inch gauge (equivalent to approximately 5 water column inches) may provide sufficient margin to distinguish an installed state of the meter from an incorrectly installed state or an uninstalled state

[0035] The at least one sensor may comprise an ultrasonic sensor for sensing a flowrate and / or presence of the fluid.

[0036] The meter may comprise an ultrasonic sensor, i.e. the meter may be known in the art as ‘an ultrasonic gas meter’. The ultrasonic sensor may comprise a transit time meter or a Doppler flow meter.

[0037] The at least one signal may comprise a signal from the ultrasonic sensor indicating a presence of the fluid other than air and / or a non-zero flow rate of the fluid.

[0038] 14141162-1 The meter may be configured for metering consumption of a fuel gas, and wherein the circuit is configures to determine a presence of the fuel gas based on a difference in an amplitude of a signal from the ultrasonic sensor between sensing air and sensing the fuel gas.

[0039] That is, the circuit may be configured to distinguish a signal from the ultrasonic sensor in the presence of air compared to a signal from the ultrasonic sensor in the presence of a fuel gas, such as a hydrocarbon-based fuel like natural gas or the like.

[0040] That is, a difference in an amplitude of a signal from the ultrasonic sensor in air compared to fuel gas may be used as an indication that the meter has been correctly installed, e.g. a supply of fuel gas is provided to the meter.

[0041] The at least one sensor may comprise the ultrasonic sensor and the pressure sensor.

[0042] The provision of two sensors, and dependence on the signals from two sensors, may more reliably indicate that the meter has been installed than a signal from just a single sensor.

[0043] That is, when an ultrasonic gas meter is properly installed, both of the above conditions will always be able to be sensed, e.g. a presence and sufficient pressure of a fuel gas.

[0044] In yet further examples, one or more additional sensors may be provided. That is, a transition from the first mode to the second mode may be based on signals from two or more sensors.

[0045] The first mode may comprise a first low-power state wherein the at least one sensor is deactivated.

[0046] The first mode may comprises a second low-power state wherein the at least one sensor is activated.

[0047] The circuit may be configured to periodically transition between the first and second low-power states.

[0048] That is, in the first mode the at least one sensor (e.g. the pressure sensor and the ultrasonic sensor) may not be activated and configured to sense all the time. In the first mode the at least one sensor may be operated with a relatively low duty cycle, to minimize power consumption.

[0049] The second mode may comprise a first active state wherein the communications module may be deactivated.

[0050] The second mode may comprise a second active state wherein the communications module is activated.

[0051] 14141162-1 The circuit may be configured to periodically transition between the first and second active states.

[0052] That is, in the second mode the communications module may not be activated and configured to sense all the time. In the second mode the communications module may be operated with a relatively low duty cycle, to minimize power consumption.

[0053] The meter may be configured to transition between the first and second active states in response to sensing of an abnormal or unexpected condition by the at least one sensor.

[0054] For example, in a sensed fault condition, such as excess pressure, temperature of the like, the meter may be configured to operate the communications module to transmit an alert.

[0055] The meter may comprise an energy storage device for providing electrical power to the circuit, wherein the energy storage device may be suitable for providing sufficient electrical power to operate the circuit for at least twenty years.

[0056] The energy storage device may comprise one or more cells or batteries.

[0057] The meter may comprises a user interface. The circuit may be configured to transition between operating in the first mode and operating in the second mode in response to an operation of the user interface.

[0058] In an example, the user interface may comprise one or more buttons (e.g. two buttons labelled ‘A’ and ‘B’ in some examples). An installer and / or user may be able to transition operation of the circuit to the second mode by pressing the buttons, such as by holding said buttons for a defined time, thus overriding or supplementing an automatic transition between modes or ensuring that a transition between modes has occurred. As such, the disclosed automatic transition between the first mode and second mode may operate as a fail-safe backup for use in an instance where the installer has failed to remember to manually operate the user interface.

[0059] The circuit may be configured to latch a transition from the first mode to the second mode.

[0060] For example, a flag or status bit or field may be set, such as in a non-volatile memory of the meter, to indicate that the circuit is operating in the second mode. As such the meter can effectively remember that it is installed, and avoid transitioning back to the first mode, such as under a fault condition.

[0061] The circuit may comprises a memory device. Upon transitioning from the first mode to the second mode the communications module may be configured to establish a communications channel with a remote device and / or network.

[0062] 14141162-1 For example, upon an initial transition to the second mode, the communications module may search for an available network and may join a network, such as a strongest available network and / or network form a selected provider. Such a network may comprise a cellular network.

[0063] The circuit may be configured to store configuration data relating to the communications channel in the memory device.

[0064] As such, the meter may not be required to repeatedly search for and establish a connection with a network thus reducing overall power consumption.

[0065] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of installing a meter for metering consumption of a fluid, wherein the meter comprises a circuit comprising a communications module and at least one sensor or sensing a pressure and / or presence of the fluid.

[0066] The method comprises providing the meter at an installation location, wherein the meter is provided having the circuit configured in a first mode, in which the communications module of the circuit is deactivated and the at least one sensor of the circuit is activated.

[0067] The method comprises coupling the meter to a supply of the fluid at the installation location, wherein responsive to the supply of the fluid to the meter the circuit transitions to a second mode in which at least the communications module is activated.

[0068] The method may comprise a preceding step of transporting the meter from an assembly location where the meter is assembled to the installation location, wherein the circuit is configured to operate in the first mode during the step of transporting.

[0069] The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting. The disclosure includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. It should be understood that features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present disclosure or below relating to any specific embodiment of the disclosure may be utilized, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment of the disclosure.

[0070] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0071] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0072] 14141162-1 Figure 1 depicts an example of a meter for metering consumption of a fluid, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0073] Figure 2 depicts an example of a timing diagram showing operation of the meter of Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0074] Figure s depicts a flow diagram of automatic activation of a meter, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0075] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0076] Figure 1 depicts an example of a meter 100 for metering consumption of a fluid, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In a non-limiting example, the fluid meter 100 may be a meter for installation in a domestic premises, such as for metering consumption of natural gas.

[0077] The example meter 100 comprises a housing 105, having an inlet 110 and an outlet 115 to enable a flow of a fluid 125 along a conduit 140 through the meter 100 in a direction of flow as indicated by arrows 120. During installation, a pipe or coupling 170 may direct and provide the fluid 125 to the meter 100, and a further pipe or coupling 175 may direct the fluid 125 away from the meter 100, e.g. towards a consumer of the fluid 125.

[0078] The fluid 125 may be a fuel gas, such as a hydrocarbon-based fuel like natural gas or the like.

[0079] The meter comprises a circuit 130. The circuit 130 comprises a first sensor, which in this example is a pressure sensor 135. The pressure sensor 135 may be exposed to the fluid 125 in the conduit 140, and as such the pressure sensor 135 may be configured to sense a pressure of the fluid 125.

[0080] The circuit 130 also comprises a second sensor, which in this example is an ultrasonic sensor 145. The ultrasonic sensor may be coupled to the conduit 140. The ultrasonic sensor 145 may be configured to sense a presence and / or flow rate of the fluid 125 through the conduit 140. The ultrasonic sensor 145 may be configured to operate as a transit time sensor and / or Doppler flow sensor.

[0081] The circuit 130 also comprises a processor 150. The processor 150 may comprise a microcontroller or the like. In other examples, the processor 150 may additionally or alternatively comprise discrete components, such as a comparator and components for defining reference voltage levels.

[0082] 14141162-1 Also depicted is a memory device 160 which is coupled to the processor 150. The memory device 160 may comprise a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory, or the like. Use of the memory device 160 is described in more detail below.

[0083] The ultrasonic sensor 145 and the pressure sensor 135 are coupled to the processor 150 and configure to provide signals to the processor 150.

[0084] The circuit also comprises a communications module 155. The communications module 155 may be configured for wireless communications. The communications module 155 may be configured to communicate over a cellular network. In some examples, the communications module 155 may be configured to communicate in a wireless mesh network. Such a wireless mesh network may comprise a Time Synchronous Channel Hopping (TSCH) network. Such a network may rely on IEEE 802.15.4e for channel management.

[0085] The meter 100 also comprises an energy storage device 165 for providing electrical power to the circuit 130. The energy storage device 165 may be suitable for providing sufficient electrical power to operate the circuit 130 for at least twenty years. The energy storage device 165 may comprise one or more cells or batteries.

[0086] As described in more detail below, the circuit 130 is configured to operate in a first mode, e.g. a first power mode, in which the communications module 155 is deactivated and the pressure sensor 135 and ultrasonic sensor 145 are activated, and a second mode, e.g. a second power mode, in which at least the communications module 155 is activated. For example, the circuit 130 may operate in the first mode following manufacture and during storage / warehousing and transit. The circuit 130 may operate in the second mode following successful installation of the meter 100 at a premises.

[0087] The meter 100 is configured to transition automatically between the first mode and the second mode in response to signals from the pressure sensor 135 and ultrasonic sensor 145, as described in more detail below with reference to Figure 2.

[0088] In some examples, the meter 100 may also comprises a user interface 180. The depicted user interface 180 is also coupled to the processor 150.

[0089] In said examples, the circuit 130 may be configured to transition between operating in the first mode and operating in the second mode in response to an operation of the user interface.

[0090] Referring now to Figure 2, there is depicted an example of a timing diagram showing operation of the meter 100 of Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0091] 14141162-1 It will be understood that Figure 2 is provided for purposes of illustration, and duty cycles and / or frequencies and / or amplitudes of any signals implemented in embodiments of the invention may vary significantly from those depicted in Figure 2.

[0092] It can be seen that the meter 100 is initially operational in a first mode. In the first mode, the communications module 155 (denoted ‘comms module’) is inactive, e.g. deactivated. In some examples, when the communications module is inactive no power supply is provided to the communications module. In other examples, when the communications module 155 is inactive, the communications module 155 is in a low- power mode.

[0093] In the first mode, the pressure sensor 135 and the ultrasonic sensor 145 are activated. That is, in the first mode, the pressure sensor 135 and the ultrasonic sensor 145 are active at least a part of the time. In the depicted example, the pressure sensor 135 and the ultrasonic sensor 145 are activated to sense pressure and presence of a fluid 125 in the conduit 140 respectively.

[0094] That is, the first mode comprises a first low-power state wherein the pressure sensor 135 and the ultrasonic sensor 145 are inactive, i.e. not sensing, and a second low-power state wherein the pressure sensor 135 and the ultrasonic sensor 145 are active, i.e. sensing.

[0095] The circuit 130 may comprise other components (not shown) such as a real- time-clock (RTC) configured to periodically trigger / activate the pressure sensor 135 and the ultrasonic sensor 145.

[0096] As such, following assembly of the meter 100, and during storage / warehousing and / or transit to an installation location, the meter 100 may be configured to continually or periodically check whether it has been installed and coupled to a supply of fluid for metering, i.e. by checking for pressure and presence of a fluid in the meter 100.

[0097] Upon installation at an installation location, a supply of fluid 125 may be provided to the meter 100. As such, a pressure in the conduit 140 may increase, and the pressure sensor 135 may start sensing the increasing pressure. The pressure sensor 135 may be configured to provide a signal indicating that a fluid 125 present in the conduit 140 has sufficient pressure to indicate a correct installation.

[0098] That is, the signal from the pressure sensor 135 may indicate a pressure exceeding a predefined and / or pre-programmed threshold value.

[0099] That is, to ensure the meter 100 is only activated (e.g. the circuit 130 automatically transitioned to operate in the second mode) upon a correct and reliable installation to a supply of fluid 125, a threshold level may be defined. The threshold

[0100] 14141162-1 level may be, for example, stored in the memory device 160 of the meter. In other examples, the threshold level may be defined by the circuit, e.g. by a comparator or the like that may compare an output of the at least one sensor to a reference value defining the threshold.

[0101] Upon installation at an installation location, where the supply of fluid 125 is provided to the meter 100, the ultrasonic sensor 145 may start sensing a presence of the fluid 125 in the conduit 140.

[0102] That is, a presence of the fluid 125 may be sensed based on a difference in an amplitude of a signal from the ultrasonic sensor 145 between sensing air and sensing the fluid 125.

[0103] That is, the circuit 130 may be configured to distinguish a signal from the ultrasonic sensor 145 in the presence of air compared to a signal from the ultrasonic sensor 145 in the presence of a fuel gas, such as a hydrocarbon-based fuel like natural gas or the like. A difference in an amplitude of the signal from the ultrasonic sensor 145 in air compared to the signal from the ultrasonic sensor in fuel gas may be used as an indication that the meter 100 has been correctly installed, e.g. a supply of fuel gas is provided to the meter 100.

[0104] In other words, a difference in an amplitude of a signal from the ultrasonic sensor 145 between a period when the ultrasonic sensor 145 is exposed to air and a period when the ultrasonic sensor 145 is exposed to a fuel gas, may be used to indicate a presence of the fuel gas

[0105] As depicted in Figure 2, to ensure the meter 100 is only activated (e.g. the circuit 130 automatically transitioned to operate in the second mode) upon a correct and reliable installation to a supply of fluid 125, both the pressure sensor 135 and the ultrasonic sensor 145 have to provide signals indicating a sufficient pressure and presence of a fluid respectively.

[0106] Upon the circuit 130 transitioning to the second mode, the communications module 155 is enabled.

[0107] In some examples, upon transitioning from the first mode to the second mode, the communications module 155 may initially establish a communications channel with a remote device and / or network. For example, upon an initial transition to the second mode, the communications module 155 may search for an available network and may join a network, such as a strongest available network and / or network form a selected provider. Such a network may comprise a cellular network

[0108] 14141162-1 In some examples, the circuit 130 may be configured to store configuration data relating to the established communications channel in the memory device 160.

[0109] In other examples, the memory device 160 may already comprises configuration data for the communications module 155 to use to establish a communications channel, i.e. such configuration data may be programmed during manufacture or installation.

[0110] In the second mode, the communications module 155 may, for example remain active (e.g. in communication with a remote device) continually or periodically and / or in response to sensing of an abnormal or unexpected condition by the ultrasonic sensor 145 and / or the pressure sensor 135. For example, in a sensed fault condition, such as excess pressure, temperature of the like, the meter 100 may be configured to operate the communications module 155 to transmit an unscheduled alert.

[0111] In the second mode, the pressure sensor 135 and ultrasonic sensor 145 may also remain active. It will be appreciated that said pressure sensor 135 and ultrasonic sensor 145 may operate at a different frequency and / or with a different duty in the second mode compared to in the first mode.

[0112] Although in the example of Figure 2 both the ultrasonic sensor and pressure sensor are both activated in the first mode, in other examples the first mode may comprise: a first low power state for periodically sampling for presence of fuel gas; and a second low power state for periodically sampling for pressure of the fuel gas.

[0113] In examples, in the first mode, the circuit may operate in the first low power state configured to periodically sample for presence of fuel gas (such as using an ultrasonic pressure sensor as described herein). Upon sensing presence of the fuel gas, the circuit may then operate in the second low power state to enable the pressure sensor to confirm the fuel gas. Then if both are true (presence detected and with sufficient pressure), the circuit may transition to the second mode, e.g. the meter may be activated.

[0114] Figure 3 depicts an example of a flow diagram 300 of automatic activation of a meter, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. At an initial stage 305 the meter 100 may be assembled, such as at a factory. Following this, at a next stage 310 the meter 100, (e.g. the circuit 130) may be configured to operate in the first mode, which may be a low-power mode. As described above with reference to Figure 2, in the first mode the communications module 155 is not enabled. While the meter 100 is in the first mode, the meter 100 may be stored / warehoused and / or may be transited to an installation location.

[0115] 14141162-1 While in the first mode, and as depicted in Figure 2, the circuit 130 uses the ultrasonic sensor 145 at a next stage 315 to periodically check for the presence of fluid 125 such as fuel gas.

[0116] If a fuel gas is detected, then the circuit 130 uses the pressure sensor 135 at a next stage 320 to check for a sufficient pressure of the fluid to indicate a correct installation. In the example, a pressure above 5 inches water column may indicate a correct installation.

[0117] Upon sensing sufficient pressure, at a next stage 325 the meter 100, (e.g. the circuit 130) may be configured to operate in the second mode, wherein the communications module 140 may be activated.

[0118] Although Figure 3 depicts a sequential use of the ultrasonic sensor and then the pressure sensor, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments within the scope of the disclosure, the ultrasonic sensor and the pressure sensor may be used in either order, consecutively or in parallel.

[0119] Although the disclosure has been described in terms of preferred embodiments as set forth above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and that the claims are not limited to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and alternatives in view of the disclosure, which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the appended claims. Each feature disclosed or illustrated in the present specification may be incorporated in any embodiments, whether alone or in any appropriate combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein.

[0120] 14141162-1 REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0121] 100 meter 140 conduit

[0122] 105 housing 145 ultrasonic sensor 110 inlet 150 processor

[0123] 115 outlet 155 communications module

[0124] 120 direction of flow 15 160 memory device

[0125] 125 fluid 165 energy storage device

[0126] 130 circuit 170 coupling 135 pressure sensor 175 coupling

[0127] 14141162-1

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A meter (100) for metering consumption of a fluid (125), the meter (100) comprising a circuit (130) comprising: at least one sensor (135, 145) for sensing a pressure and / or presence of the fluid (125); and a communications module (155); wherein the circuit (130) is configured to operate in a first mode in which the communications module (155) is deactivated and the at least one sensor (135, 145) is activated, and a second mode in which at least the communications module (155) is activated, and wherein the circuit (130) is configured to transition between the first mode and the second mode in response to at least one signal from the respective at least one sensor (135, 145).

2. The meter (100) of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor (135, 145) comprises a pressure sensor (135) configured to sense a pressure of the fluid (125).

3. The meter (100) of claim 2, wherein the at least one signal comprises a signal from the pressure sensor (135) indicating a pressure of at least 0.18 pounds per square inch gauge.

4. The meter (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one sensor (135, 145) comprises an ultrasonic sensor (145) for sensing a flow-rate and / or presence of the fluid (125).

5. The meter (100) of claim 4, wherein the at least one signal comprises a signal from the ultrasonic sensor (145) indicating a presence of the fluid (125) other than air and / or a non-zero flow rate of the fluid (125).

6. The meter (100) of claims 4 or 5, wherein the meter (100) is configured to meter a consumption of a fuel gas, and wherein the circuit (130) is configures to determine a presence of the fuel gas based on a difference in an amplitude of a14141162-1signal from the ultrasonic sensor (145) between sensing air and sensing the fuel gas.

7. The meter (100) of claim 4 to 6, wherein the at least one sensor (135, 145) comprises the ultrasonic sensor (145) and the pressure sensor (135).

8. The meter of any preceding claim, wherein the first mode comprises: a first low-power state wherein the at least one sensor (135, 145) is deactivated; a second low-power state wherein the at least one sensor (135, 145) is activated; and wherein the circuit (130) is configured to periodically transition between the first and second low-power states.

9. The meter (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the second mode comprises a first active state wherein the communications module (155) is deactivated; a second active state wherein the communications module (155) is activated; and wherein the circuit (130) is configured to at least one of: periodically transition between the first and second active states; and / or transition between the first and second active states in response to sensing of an abnormal or unexpected condition by the at least one sensor (135, 145).

10. The meter (100) of any preceding claim, comprising an energy storage device (165) for providing electrical power to the circuit (130), wherein the energy storage (165) device is suitable for providing sufficient electrical power to operate the circuit (130) for at least twenty years.

11. The meter (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the meter (100) comprises a user interface, and wherein the circuit (130) is configured to transition between operating in the first mode and operating in the second mode in response to an operation of the user interface.14141162-112. The meter (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the circuit (130) is configured to latch a transition from the first mode to the second mode.

13. The meter (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the circuit (130) comprises a memory device (160), and wherein upon transitioning from the first mode to the second mode: the communications module (155) is configured to establish a communications channel with a remote device and / or network; and the circuit (130) is configured to store configuration data relating to the communications channel in the memory device (160).

14. A method of installing a meter (100) for metering consumption of a fluid (125), wherein the meter comprises a circuit comprising a communications module (155) and at least one sensor (135, 145) for sensing a pressure and / or presence of the fluid (125), and wherein the method comprises: providing the meter at an installation location, wherein the meter (100) is provided having the circuit (130) configured in a first mode, in which the communications module of the circuit (130) is deactivated and the at least one sensor (135, 145) of the circuit (130) is activated; and coupling the meter to a supply of the fluid (125) at the installation location, wherein responsive to the supply of the fluid (125) to the meter the circuit (130) transitions to a second mode in which at least the communications module (155) is activated.

15. The method of claim 14 comprising a preceding step of transporting the meter (100) from an assembly location where the meter (100) is assembled to the installation location, wherein the circuit (130) is configured to operate in the first mode during the step of transporting.14141162-1

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