Power Line Metering With Harmonic PLC and FFT Signal Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated meter reading (AMR) power line carrier (PLC) systems face limitations in scalability, reliability, and flexibility due to single-point access, low data rates, and the need for additional equipment at distribution transformers, which restricts their ability to handle a large number of meters and requires manual programming, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A two-way PLC AMR system that uses Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithms to decode Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) or Phase Shift Keying (PSK) signals, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple transponders without the need for base channels or additional equipment at distribution transformers, and integrates with a master data clock to synchronize transponders and meters, enabling dynamic mapping and event management for improved data collection and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PLC systems use audio-range frequencies to pass through distribution transformers, then communication reliability is improved, but data rates are limited to very low levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from audio-range frequencies to higher frequencies that are integer multiples of the power line frequency (harmonics). This allows the system to achieve both reliable communication through transformers and higher data rates by operating at frequencies like 120Hz, 180Hz, 240Hz, etc., which can pass through transformers more effectively while supporting faster modulation schemes.
2Device complexity
If polling mechanisms are used to detect outages, then system complexity is reduced, but response time and reliability of outage detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where meters continuously monitor power quality parameters and automatically generate outage detection messages when disturbances are detected. This feedback loop enables reliable and timely outage detection without requiring complex centralized polling systems, as each meter independently reports anomalies back to the utility system.
3Device complexity
If manual programming is required when changes are made to service territory, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables meters to automatically update their configuration and registration information when service territory changes occur. Meters self-service by detecting topology changes through power quality monitoring and automatically re-registering with the appropriate data concentrators, eliminating the need for manual programming and enabling rapid system scalability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional equipment is installed at distribution transformers for PLC signaling, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes distribution transformers universal by enabling them to support multiple communication functions without additional equipment. The same transformer that steps down voltage also serves as a communication pathway for PLC signals by utilizing its inherent electromagnetic coupling properties at harmonic frequencies, eliminating the need for separate communication infrastructure.
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
The system achieves reliable and cost-effective data collection and event reporting across a large number of meters, reduces manual intervention, and enhances scalability by allowing simultaneous communication with multiple transponders, improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing errors in fault detection and network monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) for decoding Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) or Phase Shift Keying (PSK) signals
Implementation Method 2
Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) or Phase Shift Keying (PSK) signals
Implementation Method 3
Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) or Phase Shift Keying (PSK) signals
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the invention comprises a system comprising: a master data clock source; one or more transponders; and a plurality of remote power line transceivers; wherein all of said plurality of transceivers are connected to a common alternating current power distribution grid; and wherein each of said plurality of transceivers has a location is operable to monitor a voltage waveform of a power line prevailing at said location. In another aspect, the invention comprises a system comprising: transponders and remote power line transceivers each connected to a common alternating current power distribution grid each operable to monitor the voltage waveform of the power line prevailing at its own location, and generate selectable frequencies from said local power line waveform of a frequency of p/q times the frequency of said power line where p and q are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.