Dynamic DC Power Control for Utility Meter Communication Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electricity meters are over-designed to handle worst-case conditions, leading to high costs and longer start-up times due to high power requirements for AMR and communications devices, resulting in data loss and increased revenues during power outages.
Innovation Solution
An electricity meter that dynamically controls DC power to communications devices based on AC line voltage and temperature, using a switch controller to adjust power supply to minimize energy consumption and reduce start-up times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full DC power is supplied to AMR devices under worst case conditions, then reliable communication is ensured, but meter cost increases due to over-design of electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static full-power supply design to a dynamic power control system. The switch controller dynamically adjusts the DC power supplied to the AMR device based on real-time monitoring of hold-up capacitor voltage levels, service voltage conditions, and temperature. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide full power only when necessary (during power outages or worst-case conditions) while reducing power during normal operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between ensuring communication reliability and reducing meter cost through avoidance of over-design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the power supply parameters (voltage and current to the AMR device) based on changing operating conditions. The switch controller monitors parameters such as hold-up capacitor voltage, service voltage, and temperature, and adjusts the power delivery parameters accordingly. This allows the system to adapt to different operating scenarios, providing full power when reliability is critical while using reduced power during normal conditions, thus avoiding the need for expensive over-designed components.
2Reliability
If high power is supplied to AMR devices during start-up, then communication capability is ensured, but meter start-up time increases causing data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the hold-up capacitor to an elevated voltage level (e.g., 15-20% above normal operating voltage) before the meter start-up sequence begins. This preliminary charging action ensures that when the meter starts up, there is already sufficient energy stored in the hold-up capacitor to support high-power AMR operation without extending the start-up time. The switch controller detects this pre-charged state and enables full power to the AMR device immediately, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring communication capability and minimizing start-up time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through a two-stage power supply sequence during start-up. The first stage provides high power to the AMR device immediately upon start-up to ensure communication capability. The switch controller then periodically monitors the hold-up capacitor voltage and transitions to a second stage with reduced power when the capacitor voltage drops below a threshold. This periodic switching between high and low power states ensures communication is established quickly while minimizing overall power consumption and start-up time.
3Loss of information
If full power is supplied to AMR devices during power outages, then data transmission is ensured, but hold-up capacitor depletes faster reducing data retention time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic power adjustment system that responds to hold-up capacitor voltage levels during power outages. The switch controller continuously monitors the capacitor voltage and dynamically adjusts the power supplied to the AMR device. When the capacitor voltage is high, full power is supplied to ensure data transmission. When the voltage drops below a threshold, the controller automatically reduces power to a lower level, extending the time the capacitor can sustain operation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ensuring data transmission and maximizing data retention time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through a two-mode power supply strategy during power outages. The first mode provides full power to the AMR device when the hold-up capacitor voltage is above a threshold, ensuring data transmission. When the voltage drops below the threshold, the system transitions to a second mode with reduced power. The controller periodically monitors the voltage and can switch between modes as needed, ensuring that data is transmitted while maximizing the duration that the capacitor can sustain operation, thus resolving the contradiction between data transmission and data retention time.
Data Source
AI summary
An electricity meter comprises a voltage sensor configured to determine an AC line voltage. A measurement circuit is coupled to the voltage sensor and is configured to determine energy consumption data based at least in part on the AC line voltage. A communications device is coupled to the measurement circuit and is configured to transmit the energy consumption data to a remote location. The electricity meter further includes a power supply configured to provide a DC voltage to the communications device. A switch is positioned between the power supply and the communications device. A switch controller is coupled to the measurement circuit and is configured to control the switch and the associated DC voltage supplied to the communications device depending at least in part on the AC line voltage.