Field Tester for Electrical Panel Meter Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical panel meter systems require tedious and costly processes to test the accuracy of meter modules, often involving removal and individual testing with non-portable equipment, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A field tester system that includes a reference power meter, current source, computer, and conductors to inject a signal into the electrical panel meter system, allowing for in-place testing of meter modules by comparing their readings to a measured parameter, providing a pass/fail result for each module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If meter modules are removed and individually tested with specialized test equipment, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test conductor as an intermediary component that couples the field tester to all meter modules simultaneously. This test conductor acts as a mediator that enables indirect testing of meter modules without requiring their removal, thus maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing testing time and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The field tester is designed as a universal testing device that can test multiple meter modules simultaneously through a single connection interface. The device combines reference power metering, signal injection, and comparison functions in one portable unit, eliminating the need for multiple specialized test equipment and reducing overall testing time
2Measurement precision
If meter modules are removed and individually tested, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple testing functions (reference power metering, current injection, voltage measurement, and data comparison) into a single integrated field tester device. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate specialized test equipment while maintaining measurement precision through internal reference standards
Solution Approach 2:
The test conductor serves as a simple intermediary that connects the field tester to all meter modules without requiring complex installation or modification of the electrical panel system. This straightforward connection method reduces overall system complexity while enabling accurate simultaneous testing of multiple modules
3Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The field tester enables continuous testing of multiple meter modules without interruption by maintaining a single connected state. The device continuously references the injected signal against all meter modules simultaneously, eliminating the stop-start nature of traditional individual testing and dramatically improving testing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The testing process begins with a preliminary signal injection step that establishes a reference measurement across all meter modules simultaneously. This preliminary action sets up the comparison baseline before individual module readings are taken, enabling rapid sequential comparison and significantly reducing total testing time while maintaining precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and accurate testing of multiple meter modules within 20-60 seconds, reducing time and cost while maintaining portability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a current source (334) configured to generate an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a reference power meter (332) configured to measure a parameter of the electrical signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An electrical panel meter system (100) may include a plurality of meter modules (108) housed in an electrical panel enclosure (114). Each meter module may be configured to sample electrical readings related to electrical power provided to a respective branch circuit of the electrical panel meter system. To field test the metering accuracy of each meter module, a field tester (300) may be coupled to the electrical panel enclosure. The field tester may inject an electrical signal via a test conductor (124) provided in the electrical panel enclosure. The test conductor may be coupled to each meter module. The field tester may measure an electrical parameter of the injected electrical signal and compare it to electrical readings sampled by the meter modules. A pass/fail result for each meter module may be indicated. Methods of field testing meter modules in an electrical panel meter system are also provided, as are other aspects.