Concentrator Protocol Translation for Smart Meter Data Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current resource monitoring and control systems face limitations such as limited meter data, slow data collection, protocol restrictions, manual resource control, and limited consumer interaction, particularly in systems like the National Electricity Market.
Innovation Solution
A communications system with a concentrator that manages and processes data from remote units, including meters, to facilitate efficient data exchange, configuration changes, and user interaction, using properties data to determine communication links and protocols, enabling advanced data management and control capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a meter is configured to transmit meter data to a management server using traditional protocols, then the system can maintain compatibility with legacy infrastructure, but the data collection speed is slow and resource intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a concentrator as an intermediary device between meters and the management server. The concentrator collects data from multiple meters locally and performs preliminary processing, filtering, and aggregation before transmitting to the server. This mediator architecture reduces the burden on both meters and servers, enabling faster data collection without overwhelming system resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into three distinct functional layers: meter devices for data collection, concentrators for local data management and processing, and management servers for centralized control. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently at optimized speeds, with the concentrator handling time-sensitive data aggregation locally while the server manages less time-critical operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each meter is limited to a particular communications protocol, then the system maintains simplicity in protocol implementation, but replacing legacy meters with new communication systems requires complete meter replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrator serves as a protocol translation intermediary between meters using different communication protocols and the management server. It can receive data from meters using various protocols (DLMS, Modbus, proprietary protocols) and translate/normalize it for server communication, enabling legacy meters to work with modern systems without replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentrator is designed with multi-functional capability to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously. It can interface with different meter types using their native protocols while presenting a unified interface to the management server, making the overall system universally compatible without requiring meter replacement.
3Ease of operation
If a meter is configured as a pure measurement device, then the device complexity is minimized, but any resource control actions such as shutting off supply require manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates measurement functions (performed by simple meters) from control functions (performed by the management server through the concentrator). The meter remains a simple measurement device while the concentrator and server handle automated control actions by sending commands back through the same communication channel, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the management server receives measurement data from meters through concentrators, processes the data according to control logic, and sends automated control commands back to the meters or associated control devices. This closed-loop feedback enables automated resource control without increasing meter complexity.
4Loss of information
If the degree of interaction between a meter and consumer at their premises is very limited, then the system maintains simplicity in meter-consumer interaction, but consumers cannot access detailed usage information or control options
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves consumer interaction from the meter device dimension to the information network dimension. Instead of embedding complex interaction capabilities in the meter, the concentrator collects detailed usage data and makes it available through web-based portals, mobile applications, and email notifications, allowing consumers to access comprehensive information and control options through standard computing devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method executed by a concentrator connected between a plurality of remote units and a management server, the method including:(i) receiving and storing properties data associated with a remote unit including a microengine and a meter for measuring usage of a resource at a customer's premises, the properties data representing a profile of the remote unit;(ii) receiving message data representing a request associated with the remote unit from the management server;(iii) generating response data representing a response to the request based on the message data and the stored properties data; and(iv) sending the response data to one of the remote unit and the management server, as determined by the request based on the message data.