Energy Metering System Power Management via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated energy meters require efficient power conservation during low/no primary power conditions to minimize battery size and cost, while maintaining functionality for time-of-day billing and remote data access.
Innovation Solution
A system controller that dynamically switches between primary and auxiliary power supplies, prioritizing power distribution to essential components using a voltage monitor and switch circuit, with a microcontroller managing power to circuit blocks based on predetermined thresholds and periodic enablement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery backup is used to maintain functionality during power loss, then the meter can continue operating for time-of-day billing and remote data access, but the battery size and cost increase due to the need for larger energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the meter's circuit blocks into three distinct power consumption classes. Class 1 blocks are completely powered down during auxiliary operation, Class 2 blocks are periodically enabled, and Class 3 blocks remain continuously powered. This segmentation allows the battery to only supply power to essential functions, dramatically reducing the required energy storage capacity while maintaining critical functionality for time-of-day billing and remote data access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic enabling of Class 2 circuit blocks during auxiliary power operation. Instead of continuously powering all non-essential components, the controller periodically activates them for brief intervals to perform necessary functions such as updating displays or processing measurements. This periodic action significantly reduces average power consumption from the battery, allowing for a smaller, more cost-effective battery design.
2Reliability
If all circuit blocks are continuously powered during auxiliary operation, then full functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases requiring a larger battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the controller continuously monitors power source availability and dynamically adjusts the power state of different circuit block classes. During primary power operation, all blocks are fully powered. When switching to auxiliary power, the controller dynamically transitions blocks between different power states (completely off, periodically enabled, continuously powered) based on their criticality and current operational needs, optimizing the balance between functionality and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different circuit blocks are assigned different power consumption qualities based on their functional criticality. Class 1 blocks receive no power during auxiliary operation, Class 2 blocks receive periodic power, and Class 3 blocks receive continuous power. This local differentiation of power quality ensures that each circuit block receives the appropriate level of power based on its specific requirements, maintaining full functionality for critical operations while minimizing overall power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated energy metering system having an energy meter including a voltage ADC for sensing voltage, a current ADC for sensing current, a microcontroller; a first memory device for storing program data for the energy meter; and a plurality of circuit blocks; a voltage monitor for monitoring a primary power supply; a power supply switch circuit for selectively applying one of the primary and auxiliary power supplies to the energy meter; and a system controller responsive to the voltage monitor for operating the switch circuit to apply the auxiliary power supply when the primary power supply voltage decreases below a predetermined level and gating the power to a first class of circuit blocks in the energy meter and applying power continuously to a second class of circuit blocks.