AC Line Voltage Booster for Low-Voltage Utility Meters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility meters face operational issues when connected to AC power lines with voltages lower than 96 Vrms, as existing power supplies are not capable of providing sufficient DC power for electronic components, leading to potential power-down events and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
An AC line voltage booster is integrated within the utility meter housing, connected to the power supply, which increases the AC voltage from the power line to ensure proper operation at lower voltages by connecting leads to the phase and neutral lines, allowing the power supply to generate adequate DC voltage for electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide range switching power supply is used to supply power for solid state electronics components, then the power supply can operate across a wide voltage range and provide DC power for consumption calculation and data storage, but the power supply cannot provide sufficient DC power when connected to AC power lines with voltages lower than 96 Vrms
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two independent stages: an AC line voltage booster that converts low voltage AC to high voltage AC, and a switching power supply that converts the boosted AC to DC. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, enabling reliable operation at low input voltages while maintaining wide voltage range adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
An AC line voltage booster is introduced as an intermediary device between the low voltage AC power line and the switching power supply. This intermediary boosts the low AC voltage to a level suitable for the switching power supply to generate adequate DC power, resolving the contradiction between wide voltage adaptability and power supply reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the utility meter is connected to low voltage AC power lines (less than 96 Vrms), then the meter can be used in various markets including substation metering applications, but the electronic components may not receive sufficient power leading to power-down events and reduced functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is segmented into a voltage boosting stage and a DC conversion stage, allowing the meter to maintain full functionality across wide voltage ranges by ensuring adequate power delivery to all electronic components regardless of input voltage level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter through the AC line voltage booster, converting low voltage AC input to high voltage AC, which then enables the switching power supply to generate sufficient DC power for all electronic components, maintaining ease of operation across different market voltage standards.
3Reliability
If an AC line voltage booster is added to enable operation at low voltages, then the meter can function reliably down to 40 Vrms, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AC line voltage booster is designed to perform multiple functions: boosting low AC voltage to enable power supply operation, and storing DC energy to sustain meter operation during power-down events. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while maintaining operation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage boosting function and energy storage function are merged into a single AC line voltage booster component, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate boosting and energy storage systems. This integration maintains reliability while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The AC line voltage booster enables utility meters to function reliably at lower AC power line voltages (down to 40 Vrms), extending their usability to various markets without adding complexity or cost, ensuring continuous operation and accurate energy measurement.
Implementation Method 1
An AC line voltage booster is integrated within the utility meter housing, connected to the power supply, which increases the AC voltage from the power line
Implementation Method 2
A power supply is also arranged within the meter housing. The power supply is configured to receive an AC voltage from the AC power line and supply a DC voltage to the electronic components
Data Source
AI summary
A utility meter configured for connection to an AC power line includes a meter housing with a plurality of electronic components arranged within the meter housing and configured to provide consumption data. A power supply is also arranged within the meter housing. The power supply is configured to receive an AC voltage from the AC power line and supply a DC voltage to the electronic components. An AC line voltage booster is positioned connected to the power supply. The AC line voltage booster is configured to increase the voltage from the AC power line received by the power supply.