Load Side Voltage Sensing for AMI Meter Fraud Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Utility meters lack an effective interface for coupling with their load side environment and system applications in an open operational framework, limiting enhanced functionality, safety, and fraud detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a detection circuit downstream of a remote disconnect switch for sensing load side voltage, enabling verification of disconnect and reconnect functionality, and detecting potential fraud, while also providing enhanced safety through voltage verification before reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a detection circuit is added downstream of the remote disconnect switch for load side voltage sensing, then functionality and fraud detection capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: verifying disconnect status, detecting fraud conditions, and providing voltage sensing for safe reconnection. By making this single circuit multi-functional, the patent enhances functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit acts as an intermediary component between the remote disconnect switch and the load side environment. It mediates the interaction by sensing voltage conditions and providing verification signals, thereby enabling enhanced functionality while maintaining system integrity
2Reliability
If load side voltage sensing is implemented for verification and fraud detection, then safety and fraud detection capabilities are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit merges multiple safety and verification functions into a single integrated component. By combining voltage sensing, disconnect verification, and fraud detection capabilities in one circuit, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity compared to implementing separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit is designed to self-verify its own operation through internal feedback mechanisms. It automatically detects voltage conditions and provides verification signals without requiring external monitoring systems, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high safety standards
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
This solution enhances functionality, safety, and fraud detection capabilities by ensuring accurate load side voltage sensing, preventing equipment damage, and reducing economic losses due to fraud, thereby improving the overall operation of utility meters in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) framework.
Implementation Method 1
a detection circuit, upstream from the meter load side and downstream from the meter line side, for detecting the presence of electricity at the meter load side
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location. Providing such functionality allows for: (a) verification that a remote disconnect switch did open subsequent to an instruction or command to do so, (b) identification of possible user fraud, as would possibly be reflected by the presence of voltage at a time when the remote disconnect switch is open, (c) verification that the remote disconnect switch did re-close after having been given an instruction or command to close, and (d) verification of lack of voltage present before re-closing such remote disconnect switch, which serves an important safety feature.