Energy Meter Phase Angle Calibration for Faster Accurate Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional energy meters, both analog and digital, require complex and time-consuming calibration processes that often necessitate manual adjustments by skilled technicians, making them logistically challenging and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for calibrating energy meters using a computing device with specialized software, a network switch, and a reference source connected via Ethernet, which simulates various electrical conditions to test and adjust energy meters automatically, incorporating real-time feedback and user interface for monitoring and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual calibration methods are used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the calibration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated computer-controlled system. The computer automatically controls the reference source, energy meter, and measurement devices, eliminating the need for manual adjustments by technicians while maintaining measurement accuracy through algorithmic processing and automated comparison against reference standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system performs self-calibration by automatically comparing the energy meter's measurements against the reference source and computing correction factors. The system autonomously identifies measurement errors, calculates offset corrections, and applies adjustments without requiring external technician intervention, thereby reducing calibration time while preserving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration by skilled technicians is performed, then accurate adjustments can be made, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical skill-based calibration process with an automated computer-controlled system that uses software algorithms to perform measurements and calculations. This substitution eliminates the need for skilled technician expertise while maintaining adjustment accuracy through systematic automated procedures and computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer acts as an intermediary between the reference source and the energy meter, automatically managing the calibration process. It controls the reference source output, receives measurements from the energy meter, computes correction factors, and applies adjustments, thereby simplifying the overall system operation while maintaining precision through centralized intelligent control.
3Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used, then individual meters can be calibrated, but the process is costly and not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal calibration system that can calibrate multiple types of energy meters using the same computer-controlled platform and reference source. The system maintains calibration accuracy across different meter models while enabling batch processing and parallel calibration operations, thereby increasing productivity and reducing costs through scalable deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a system and method for calibrating energy meters, designed to enhance the accuracy of electrical power measurements. The system incorporates a computing device with specialized calibration software, interfaced with multiple energy meters via a network switch. Each energy meter is equipped with a CPU and DSP, facilitating precise phase angle measurements. A configurable three-phase reference source, connected via power cables, supplies standard calibration signals to the meters. The DSP measures phase angles based on calibration commands triggered by control signals received by the CPU. These measurements are then transmitted to the computing device, which calculates necessary offset corrections. The corrections are subsequently communicated back to the CPU for adjustment of the energy meters' analog-to-digital converter settings, thereby ensuring the meters' outputs are accurately aligned with calibrated standards. This system provides a robust framework for reliable, high-precision energy meter calibration.