Energy Meter API for Custom Firmware Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy meters have limited customization capabilities due to firmware constraints, making it difficult for utility companies to tailor energy consumption monitoring and billing schemes to their specific needs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a processor and firmware with an application programming interface (API) and software development kit (SDK) that allows for the execution of customizable instructions, enabling energy meters to receive and interpret additional control commands beyond standard firmware functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If firmware is customized for each utility company's specific needs, then customization capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The firmware is segmented into a base firmware component and customizable instruction modules. The base firmware provides core energy metering functions, while customization is achieved through separate executable instructions that can be loaded and executed by the processor, allowing different utility companies to receive tailored functionality without complicating the core firmware structure
Solution Approach 2:
The energy meter is designed with universal base functionality that can serve multiple utility companies, while the processor's ability to execute customized instructions enables the same hardware and base firmware to adapt to different billing schemes and localization requirements, achieving multi-functionality without creating multiple firmware versions
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized firmware versions are created for each utility company, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating customization into executable instruction modules that can be independently configured, the manufacturing process can produce a standardized base firmware once, then efficiently distribute different customized instruction sets to different utility companies, maintaining high manufacturing efficiency while achieving firmware adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating entirely separate firmware versions for each utility company, the system copies the base firmware and adds customized executable instructions on top, allowing rapid deployment of customized solutions without repeating the entire firmware development and manufacturing process
3Ease of operation
If workarounds are used for firmware limitations, then immediate customization is achieved, but system reliability and measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the base firmware and customization requirements. It receives customized instructions and executes them by coordinating with the reliable base firmware functions, ensuring that measurements and core operations maintain their reliability while enabling easy customization through the intermediary processing layer
Data Source
AI summary
An energy meter includes metering circuitry configured to monitor power consumption. The energy meter includes firmware including internal functions configured to control elements of the energy meter. Further, the energy meter includes an input/output port or a communications device configured to receive customized instructions and a processor. The processor controls the metering circuitry, receives customized instructions from the input/output port or the communications device. The customizable instructions provide additional control of the elements of the energy meter beyond the internal functions of the firmware. The processor interprets the customized instructions and executes the customized instructions using the internal functions of the firmware.