Communication Node Selection for Power Outage Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) networks, power outages are not promptly identified due to communication nodes experiencing power loss, which prevents timely notification to the back office system, as last gasp messages fail to be forwarded upstream when downstream nodes are affected.
Innovation Solution
A system where each communication node receives information about neighboring nodes and power distribution equipment, allowing it to select a suitable node to transmit a power outage notification when it experiences a loss, ensuring the message can be relayed to the back office system even if the selected node is also affected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a predetermined communication node is used to receive last gasp messages, then the system can identify power outages promptly when the predetermined node is not affected, but the system fails to identify outages when the predetermined node is also experiencing power loss
Solution Approach 1:
Each communication node pre-identifies and stores information about alternative neighboring nodes that could receive last gasp messages if the primary node fails. This preliminary action ensures that when a power outage occurs, the system can immediately route notifications through alternative nodes without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary communication nodes that can receive and forward last gasp messages when the primary predetermined node is unavailable. These intermediary nodes act as mediators in the communication chain, ensuring that outage notifications reach the back office system even when the original predetermined node is affected by the same power loss.
2Speed
If communication nodes transmit last gasp messages upstream to a predetermined node, then outage notifications can be sent promptly, but the messages fail to reach the back office system when upstream nodes are also experiencing power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects communication nodes based on their operational status rather than relying on a fixed predetermined node. When a power outage occurs, the system adapts by routing last gasp messages through alternative nodes that are not affected by the outage, ensuring both prompt notification and reliable delivery to the back office system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of node selection from static (predetermined) to dynamic (based on real-time operational status). By evaluating the power status and availability of neighboring nodes, the system selects the most appropriate node for receiving last gasp messages, ensuring that notifications are both speedy and reliable even during widespread outages.
3Quantity of substance
If all downstream nodes experience power loss from a single transformer failure, then a large area is affected, but the back office system cannot identify the outage area because all communication nodes are non-functional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication network into multiple independent paths and nodes. When a transformer failure affects multiple downstream nodes, the segmentation ensures that at least some nodes remain operational and can serve as alternative receivers for last gasp messages. This segmentation prevents total information loss by distributing the notification function across multiple nodes rather than relying on a single point of failure.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for identifying and targeting power outages are provided. Electric meters of a system receive electric power from power distribution equipment in a power distribution network and information that identifies the respective power distribution equipment from which the meters receive electric power. Communication nodes are associated with electric meters and receive, from neighboring communication nodes, information identifying each respective neighboring communication node and the information identifying the power distribution equipment from which respective electric meters, associated with neighboring communication nodes, receive electric power. A communication node of a particular electric meter can select a suitable communication node of a neighboring electric meter with which it can communicate. When the particular electric meter experiences a loss in power, it can then transmit an immediate regarding the loss in power to the selected communication node.