Contactless Power Measurement Using Self-Learning Algorithms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart electricity meters using Non-intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) are costly, cumbersome to install, and ineffective in complex environments due to high accuracy requirements and the need for extensive database calibration, limiting their application in commercial and industrial settings where multiple wires are involved.
Innovation Solution
A power measuring system employing a contactless sensing device, such as a current transformer, Rogowski coil, or Hall sensor, in conjunction with a self-learning algorithm like Particle Swarm Optimization or Genetic Algorithm, to measure relative electricity values and calculate absolute power consumption with adaptive error correction, reducing installation complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple current transformers are installed at the junction of each electric wire to measure power consumption of individual wires, then power consumption information for each circuit can be obtained, but the installation becomes complicated and extension cords sprawl from the distribution panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the traditional current transformer installation method. Instead of installing physical current transformers at wire junctions, the system uses a single electricity meter mainframe with data processing capabilities to calculate individual wire power consumption based on total power and appliance database information, thereby obtaining measurement results without the physical installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using an appliance database and data processing unit as a mediator between the electricity meter and the measurement goal. The system uses the appliance database to match power consumption patterns and calculate individual wire usage without requiring direct physical measurement devices at each wire junction
2Measurement precision
If high accuracy current transformers are used to achieve precise power measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-precision current transformers with a more cost-effective solution using standard electricity metering equipment combined with database-driven calculation. The system uses readily available appliance power consumption data and simple calculation algorithms to achieve accurate measurements without investing in costly precision measurement hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of power consumption by copying and storing appliance power consumption characteristics in a database. Instead of using expensive physical measurement devices, the system replicates the measurement function through data processing and calculation based on stored appliance profiles and actual power consumption patterns
3Device complexity
If Non-intrusive Load Monitoring technique is used to eliminate extension cords, then installation complexity is reduced, but the system cannot effectively analyze electrical characteristics when the wire supplies different appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system universal by creating an appliance database that stores power consumption characteristics of multiple different appliance types. The electricity meter mainframe can identify and calculate power consumption for various appliances connected to any wire by matching consumption patterns against the database, enabling the same installation to handle diverse appliance types without reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing appliance power consumption characteristics in a database before actual measurement. The system prepares reference data for various appliance types in advance, enabling rapid identification and accurate calculation of individual wire power consumption when different appliances are connected, without requiring real-time analysis or recalibration
4Measurement precision
If artificial intelligence is used to teach the computer to compute electricity characteristics of various appliances, then power consumption analysis accuracy is improved, but the system requires extensive database calibration and manual information feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-collecting and storing appliance power consumption characteristics in a database before deployment. Common appliance profiles are prepared in advance based on standard power consumption data, enabling the system to quickly identify and measure individual wire usage without requiring extensive on-site calibration or manual feedback during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to serve itself by implementing automatic appliance identification and power consumption calculation algorithms. The electricity meter mainframe automatically matches measured power patterns against the appliance database and calculates individual wire consumption without requiring manual intervention, information feedback, or continuous calibration, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining high accuracy
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 system achieves low-cost, easy assembly, and accurate power measurement without the need for extensive wiring, enabling efficient energy management in complex environments and reducing the need for frequent recalibration, thus making it more practical for widespread use.
Implementation Method 1
a current transformer is installed at the junction of each electric wire of the distribution board
Implementation Method 2
A power measuring system employing a contactless sensing device, such as a current transformer, Rogowski coil, or Hall sensor
Implementation Method 3
A power measuring system employing a contactless sensing device, such as a current transformer, Rogowski coil, or Hall sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring electric power includes: mounting a sensing device on a wire between a capturing device and an electronic goods, wherein the capturing device is used for capturing a total power consumption value of the wire; measuring a relative electricity value of the wire using the sensing device; establishing a solution model based on the relative electricity value to output a loop power consumption result of the wire; determining whether the solution model satisfies a predefined condition, wherein the predefined condition includes the loop power consumption result of the wire being close to the power consumption value captured by the capturing device; and when the solution model satisfies the condition, outputting an absolute electricity value of the wire.