Distributed Meter Reading via High-Speed Power Line Carrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electricity consumption information collection systems face challenges in achieving quasi-real-time data collection due to limitations in communication networks and centralized dispatching methods, leading to inefficiencies and high costs in data collection for competitive power markets.

Innovation Solution

A quasi-real-time data collection system comprising a distributed data collection unit connected to intelligent watt-hour meters via internal downlink communication, a centralized data collection unit connected to multiple distributed units via high-speed power line carrier networks, and a main collection station, utilizing flash memory for data storage and a simplified protocol for concurrent asynchronous meter reading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a centralized meter reading terminal is used for task dispatching, then the system structure is simple, but the data collection efficiency is low and quasi-real-time collection is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoiddata collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized meter reading terminal into distributed data collection units equipped with embedded processors. Each unit independently performs data collection, processing, and storage functions, enabling parallel operation across multiple nodes. This segmentation transforms the single-point centralized architecture into a multi-node distributed architecture, significantly improving data collection efficiency while maintaining system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If full-carrier and half-carrier local communication network architectures are used, then the network coverage is extensive, but the real-time performance of data collection is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidreal-time performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces high-speed power line carrier communication modules as intermediaries between distributed data collection units and the main station. These modules enable direct, high-speed data transmission along existing power lines, bypassing the limitations of traditional carrier and half-carrier communication networks. This intermediary communication mechanism achieves quasi-real-time data collection (within 15 minutes) while maintaining extensive network coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If additional data collection modules and 4G remote communication units are installed, then the data collection capability is enhanced, but the construction cost increases hugely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidconstruction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs distributed data collection units with multi-functional capabilities that integrate data collection, embedded processing, local storage, and high-speed communication functions into a single device. By leveraging existing power line infrastructure for communication, the system eliminates the need for separate 4G remote communication units and additional dedicated data collection modules, achieving enhanced data collection capability without hugely increased construction costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional communication networks are used, then the system is compatible with existing infrastructure, but the timeliness of electricity consumption data is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidtimeliness of data

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical carrier and half-carrier communication systems with electronic high-speed power line carrier communication. This substitution leverages the existing power line infrastructure while achieving significantly faster data transmission speeds, enabling timeliness of electricity consumption data to reach quasi-real-time levels (15-minute intervals) without sacrificing system compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11821929B2Quasi-real-time data collection system and method for competitive power market

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 STATE GRID JIANGSU ELECTRIC POWER CO LTD MARKETING SERVICE CENT

AI summary

A quasi-real-time data collection system for a competitive power market includes a distributed data collection unit, a centralized data collection unit, and a main collection station, where the distributed data collection unit is connected to an intelligent watt-hour meter by using an internal downlink communication module of the distributed data collection unit, and configures data item collection parameters and task execution parameters by using an internal collection task and scheme configuration module of the distributed data collection unit; the centralized data collection unit is connected to the main collection station by using an internal file conversion and uplink communication module of the centralized data collection unit; and the centralized data collection unit is connected to multiple distributed data collection units by using a local high speed power line carrier communication (HPLC) network.