Electronic Electricity Meter Self-Verification Redundant Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic electricity meters in households have a shorter calibration period and are less robust compared to electromechanical meters, leading to increased organizational and evaluation efforts for measuring accuracy, and lack long-term experience for statistical statements on measuring accuracy and compliance with calibration error limits.

Innovation Solution

An electronic electricity meter with a redundant measurement system using the 'Principle of Two Equations' and additional measured variables to verify measurement accuracy throughout its service life, allowing for self-detection of calibration validity and automatic switching off in case of errors, eliminating the need for random sampling and providing logistical and economic advantages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electronic meters are used instead of electromechanical meters, then measuring accuracy and functionality are improved, but calibration period and robustness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasuring accuracyVSAvoidcalibration period
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing self-verification measurements at regular intervals throughout the meter's service life. The meter continuously monitors its own measurement accuracy using redundant measurement circuits and compares results against predefined thresholds, detecting calibration drift before it becomes problematic. This proactive approach allows the meter to maintain reliability without requiring frequent external calibration interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the meter uses its own measured values to verify measurement accuracy. The processing unit compares measured quantities from different circuits and provides feedback signals that trigger alerts or corrections when deviations exceed predetermined thresholds. This closed-loop feedback system enables continuous self-monitoring and maintains measurement precision throughout the extended calibration period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If random sampling of meters is performed to check measuring accuracy, then calibration validity is verified, but organizational effort and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration validityVSAvoidorganizational effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling each meter to autonomously verify its own measurement accuracy without requiring external intervention. The meter performs self-diagnosis using redundant measurement circuits, processes its own data, and generates its own verification reports. This eliminates the need for manual random sampling and extensive organizational effort while maintaining reliable calibration validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/random sampling approach with an electronic automated verification system. Instead of physically inspecting random samples of meters, the system uses electronic self-verification measurements and digital data processing to continuously monitor calibration validity. This substitution of mechanical inspection with electronic self-diagnosis dramatically reduces organizational effort and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If additional measurement variables are recorded for self-verification, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the additional measurement circuits to serve multiple functions. The same redundant measurement circuits used for self-verification also provide data for normal metering operations, fault detection, and calibration monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the net increase in device complexity while maintaining improved measurement accuracy through comprehensive self-verification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2487502B1Electronic electricity meter, power system and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 EFR EURO FUNK RUNDSTEUERUNG
  • EP2487502B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2487502B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2487502B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The electronic electricity meter (1) comprises internal verification measurement units (5a to 5d,7a to 7e) and an internal processing unit (9,11,13,15) assigned in input side for proper measuring function. The internal processing unit is designed, such that a specific measurement signal from the measurement unit verifies the correctness of the provided measurement function of the verification signal. A storage unit (17) is provided for storing the verification signal. A transmission unit (19) is provided for transmitting the verification signal. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a power supply system comprises multiple electronic electricity meters; and (2) a method for operating a power supply system.