Energy Meter Channel Redundancy for Continuous Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy meters interrupt energy measurement during self-calibration processes, which is not compliant with regulatory requirements for precision and can be inefficient in terms of maintenance and component stability.
Innovation Solution
An energy meter unit with redundant AC and DC current and voltage measuring channels that allow for simultaneous measurement and calibration without interruption, using switching means to alternate channels for testing and calibration, thereby enabling continuous energy measurement and extending calibration periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If self-calibration functions are executed in current energy meters, then calibration accuracy is improved, but energy measurement is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring system is divided into multiple independent measuring channels (first channel and second channel). During calibration, one channel is used for calibration while the other continues to perform measurements, allowing calibration and measurement to occur simultaneously without interruption to overall measurement continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions on one measuring channel while the other channel is already engaged in measurement. This allows the calibration to be prepared and executed in advance or concurrently, ensuring that measurement continuity is maintained while calibration accuracy is achieved.
2Reliability
If a reference measuring unit is provided for calibration, then calibration reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing measuring channels serve dual purposes: they perform both routine energy measurement and calibration functions. By making the measuring channels multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for a separate dedicated reference measuring unit, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining calibration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring channels are designed to perform self-calibration using their own internal resources and capabilities. Each channel can calibrate itself or be calibrated by another channel without requiring external reference equipment, reducing system complexity while ensuring reliable calibration through self-sufficient operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Energy meter unit with self calibration functions, comprising at least one first and one second current measuring channel (101, 102) for measuring the current flowing in a power feeding line, at least one first and one second voltage measuring channel (101, 102) for measuring the voltage in the said power feeding line and a processing unit (2) for determining the electric power consumption in the power feeding line from the measured current and voltage values. For testing the calibration of the measuring channels and carrying out a further calibration each channel is provided with switching means (8) for cyclically switching each of the first and second measuring channels alternatively to the power feeding line and to the means for carrying out the calibration test.