Gas Meter Monitoring for Abnormal Appliance Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas monitoring technologies fail to effectively detect small leaks and inefficiencies in gas-consuming appliances, leading to increased energy costs and reduced appliance performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a gas meter unit connected to a monitoring server, capable of wirelessly communicating gas flow data, to detect leaks and inefficiencies by comparing actual gas consumption with expected usage, and includes a shut-off valve for automatic gas isolation in case of leaks or emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas consumption is monitored using traditional gas meters, then gas flow measurement is achieved, but small leaks and inefficiencies cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors gas consumption data from the gas meter and compares it against expected consumption patterns for operating appliances. When actual consumption deviates from expected values, the system generates alerts to indicate potential leaks or inefficiencies, enabling timely intervention to prevent energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gas meter reading methods with electronic sensing and wireless communication technology. The gas meter unit electronically captures consumption data and transmits it via wireless communication to remote devices, enabling automated analysis and detection of abnormal patterns that would be imperceptible through conventional mechanical measurement.
2Loss of information
If multiple gas meter units are installed to monitor individual appliances, then appliance-specific consumption data is obtained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas meter unit is designed as a universal device that can be installed at different locations in the gas distribution system - either at the property level to monitor total consumption or at individual appliance branches to monitor specific appliance usage. The same hardware platform performs multiple monitoring functions depending on installation location, eliminating the need for different device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas distribution system is segmented into monitorable sections, with gas meter units that can be strategically placed at branch points to isolate and measure consumption of individual appliances or groups of appliances. This segmentation enables granular data collection without requiring comprehensive instrumentation of every single appliance, balancing detail with complexity.
3Reliability
If gas leak detection is implemented, then safety is improved, but response time to isolate leaks depends on manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures alert notification channels and isolation mechanisms before leaks occur. When abnormal consumption patterns are detected, the system immediately notifies property owners and relevant parties through pre-established communication channels, enabling rapid response. The system also maintains the capability to automatically isolate gas flow to affected areas without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system operates autonomously to detect leaks and initiate response actions. The system continuously analyzes consumption data, automatically identifies abnormal patterns indicating leaks, and triggers notifications or isolation actions without requiring constant human monitoring. This self-service capability reduces response time by eliminating delays associated with manual detection and decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring consumable gas usage are disclosed. A method includes obtaining, from one or more sensors installed at a property, sensor data that indicates one or more attributes of the property; based on the sensor data, determining an expected amount of gas consumption at the property; obtaining, from a gas meter installed at the property, gas meter data that indicates a gas consumption at the property; determining, based on the gas meter data and the expected amount of gas consumption, that the gas consumption at the property meets criteria for abnormal gas consumption; and based on determining that the gas consumption at the property meets criteria for abnormal gas consumption, performing one or more monitoring system actions. Determining an expected amount of gas consumption at the property comprises determining an operating status of each of a plurality of gas consuming appliances at the property.