DER Port Meter Socket Jaw Assembly for Single-Meter Power Accounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric meter systems struggle to efficiently measure power generation or consumption from distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, wind turbines, or electric vehicle batteries, often requiring additional meters and complex installations.
Innovation Solution
A DER port jaw assembly is integrated into a meter socket, allowing a single meter to connect to both DER port meter jaws and traditional line and load meter jaws. This assembly includes a base, bus bars, and DER electrical connectors, enabling seamless power exchange between the meter and DER devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a second meter is installed to measure DER device power generation or consumption, then measurement capability for DER devices is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the DER device connection terminals with the traditional meter socket structure, integrating DER measurement capability into the existing meter infrastructure. The jaw assembly includes both traditional line/load meter jaws and DER port meter jaws in a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate DER measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter socket is designed with multi-functionality to handle both traditional utility power metering and DER device power measurement through a single device. The jaw assembly can simultaneously connect line conductors, load conductors, and DER device conductors, making the meter socket universal for both conventional and distributed energy resource applications.
2Measurement precision
If a second meter is installed for DER devices, then DER power measurement is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges DER connection terminals into the existing meter socket structure, allowing installers to connect DER devices during the same installation process as traditional metering, thereby eliminating the need for a separate installation step and reducing overall installation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional meter socket structure is used without DER port, then existing infrastructure compatibility is maintained, but DER device connection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The meter socket design incorporates multiple functions within a single structure, enabling it to serve both traditional utility power metering and DER device connection purposes. This universal design allows the same meter socket to handle conventional line/load connections while also providing dedicated terminals for DER device attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly is segmented into distinct functional sections: traditional line meter jaws, load meter jaws, and DER port meter jaws. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function while maintaining an integrated overall structure that is compatible with existing meter socket mounting and wiring practices.
Data Source
AI summary
A DER port jaw assembly for use with a meter socket having a base, a bus bar mounted to the base, a DER port meter jaw mounted to the base and electrically coupled to the bus bar, and a DER electrical connector mounted to the base and electrically coupled to the bus bar. A meter jaw block assembly including an insulating block and the DER port jaw assembly. A meter socket including a meter socket enclosure, an insulating block, and the DER port jaw assembly.