Consumption Meter Dual Encrypted Data Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart meter systems face security risks and inefficiencies in data transmission, as they often require sharing a single data channel for both utility suppliers and consumer applications, which compromises security and data management, and are not easily adaptable to consumer-specific needs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a second end-to-end encrypted data channel between the consumption meter and a consumer application using a distinct key, allowing secure and flexible data transmission to multiple recipients without compromising the primary channel, and enabling configuration for consumer-specific data needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single encrypted data channel is used for both utility supplier and consumer applications, then security is maintained through centralized control, but consumer applications cannot access data securely without compromising the primary security model
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data transmission system into multiple independent encrypted channels: a first encrypted channel for utility supplier communication and a second encrypted channel for consumer application communication. Each channel has its own encryption key, allowing consumer applications to access data securely without compromising the primary utility communication security model.
2Ease of operation
If the utility company discloses the encryption key to consumer applications, then data access is enabled, but security is compromised by creating additional entry points for third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments encryption keys by function: a first encryption key protects the utility supplier's data channel while a second, separate encryption key protects the consumer application's data channel. This allows consumer applications to access encrypted data without the utility company needing to disclose its primary encryption key, thereby maintaining security while enabling data access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If consumer applications are installed alongside the utility company's smart meter, then consumer-specific data needs are met, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The smart meter is designed with multi-functionality to serve both utility supplier communication and consumer application communication through its multiple encrypted data channels. This universal design allows the same device to fulfill different communication needs without requiring separate consumer-installed smart meters, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for operating a consumption meter system in which the consumption of a supply medium by a consumer (2) is determined by means of a consumption meter (1, 10), the consumption is transmitted in the form of data between the consumption meter (1, 10) and a first receiver (3), wherein the first receiver (3) is assigned to a higher-level supplier (3a), the transmission of the data between the consumption meter (1) and the first receiver (3) takes place via a first data channel (4), and the data for transmission via the first data channel (4) are encrypted on the meter side using a first key (6), a second data channel (5) is provided for the transmission of the data between the consumption meter (1, 10) and a second receiver (8), wherein the data for transmission via the second data channel (5) are encrypted on the meter side using a second key (7).