Domestic Network Power Estimation via Voltage Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface devices for domestic electric networks are unable to provide real-time power consumption data due to limitations in powerline communication bandwidth, leading to potential disconnections when large loads are activated, and they often require inefficient polling frequencies to conserve communication resources.
Innovation Solution
A device that periodically polls an electronic energy meter using a communication channel, calculates power consumption values by sampling voltage and current, and adjusts polling frequency based on estimated power consumption to optimize data updates and prevent disconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the polling frequency of the electronic energy meter is increased to provide real-time power consumption data, then the data update speed is improved, but the communication bandwidth consumption increases and the computing resources of the electronic energy meter are overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power consumption monitoring function into two parts: the electronic energy meter performs periodic polling at fixed intervals to provide baseline data, while the interface device performs local voltage sampling at a higher frequency to capture rapid changes. This segmentation allows the system to achieve real-time monitoring capability without overloading the communication channel or the energy meter's computing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device acts as an intermediary between the electronic energy meter and the user. It receives periodic power consumption data from the meter, then uses local voltage sampling to estimate and provide continuous power consumption updates. This intermediary role allows the system to deliver real-time data without requiring the energy meter to perform high-frequency polling itself.
2Loss of time
If the polling frequency is increased to detect sudden load changes quickly, then the response time is improved, but the computing resources of the electronic energy meter are consumed faster
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device performs self-service by conducting local voltage sampling to detect sudden changes in network voltage that indicate load variations. When changes are detected, it triggers a targeted poll of the electronic energy meter. This approach allows the system to maintain fast response capability while the energy meter's computing resources are only consumed when necessary, rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device performs preliminary voltage sampling and analysis before triggering a poll of the energy meter. By pre-detecting voltage changes that indicate load variations, the system prepares in advance to request updated power consumption data only when needed, reducing the overall computing burden on the energy meter while maintaining rapid response to actual load changes.
3Loss of information
If the communication bandwidth is allocated to provide frequent power consumption updates, then the data freshness is improved, but the number of devices that can share the communication channel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic polling of the electronic energy meter at fixed intervals, combined with continuous local voltage sampling at the interface device. This periodic action ensures that the communication channel is used efficiently only when necessary for updated readings, while the interface device maintains fresh local data through its own sampling capability. This allows multiple devices to share the communication channel without sacrificing data freshness.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A method is described for estimating the electrical power consumed by a domestic electric network comprising an electronic energy meter (2) connected to an electrical power distribution grid, the method comprising the steps of: - periodically polling, according to a fixed or variable polling period, the electronic energy meter (2) on a communication channel by means of a device (5) comprising electrical connection elements (7) connected to the domestic electric network (1), in order to receive, at every polling instant, information comprising at least one parameter related to a power consumption measurement carried out by the electronic energy meter (2); - calculating or obtaining on-board the device (5) first voltage values (Vcei) and corresponding first current values (Icei). The method is characterised in that it comprises the steps of: - sampling, by means of a voltage measurement circuit (18) provided on-board said device (5) and connected to said electrical connection elements (7), the voltage of the domestic electric network (1) according to a sampling period (Ts) less than said polling period to obtain second voltage values (Vdevj, Vdevi); and- determining on-board the device (5) a plurality of estimated values of power consumed (PLji), between two consecutive polling instants of the electronic meter, as a function of said first voltage values (Vcei), of said first current values (Icei) and of said second voltage values (Vdevj)