Integrated Meter Socket for DER Connection and Metering

Solution Overview

Problem

There is no standard method to connect Distributed Energy Resource (DER) devices to the grid, leading to complicated and aesthetically unpleasing installations, with existing solutions requiring separate meters and additional wiring, increasing complexity and visual impact on customer premises.

Innovation Solution

An electric meter socket with multiple connection points for line voltage, output voltage, and neutral wire connections, along with a controllable disconnect switch and circuit breaker, integrated into a single metering system that can connect and disconnect DER devices based on power requirements and fault conditions, providing a standardized and aesthetically pleasing solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate meters and disconnect switches are mounted on the customer's wall, then DER device connection and metering functionality is achieved, but the installation becomes complicated and visually unpleasing

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDER device connection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the meter socket, meter, disconnect switch, and circuit breaker into a single integrated assembly. The meter socket housing contains the meter, while the disconnect switch and circuit breaker are integrated within the same structure, eliminating the need for separate wall-mounted components and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a meter socket for accommodating the meter, a disconnect switch for isolating the DER device, a circuit breaker for overload protection, and a connection point for utility and DER wiring. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate devices with a single universal unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate meters and disconnect switches are mounted on the customer's wall, then DER device connection and metering functionality is achieved, but the visual impact on customer premises increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDER device connection capabilityVSAvoidvisual footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the meter socket, meter, disconnect switch, and circuit breaker into a single integrated assembly. The meter socket housing contains the meter, while the disconnect switch and circuit breaker are integrated within the same structure, eliminating the need for separate wall-mounted components and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for DER connection, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but redundant components and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDER connection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the meter socket, meter, disconnect switch, and circuit breaker into a single integrated assembly. The meter socket housing contains the meter, while the disconnect switch and circuit breaker are integrated within the same structure, eliminating the need for separate wall-mounted components and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a meter socket for accommodating the meter, a disconnect switch for isolating the DER device, a circuit breaker for overload protection, and a connection point for utility and DER wiring. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate devices with a single universal unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3908843B1System for connecting and metering distributed energy resource devices

Publication Date: 2023.05.03 LANDIS GYR TECH INC

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AI summary

An electric meter socket includes: a first plurality of connection points within the electric meter socket configured to form electrical connections to line voltage wirings of an electric distribution system; a second plurality of connection points within the electric meter socket configured to form electrical connections to output voltage wirings of a DER device; one or more connection points within the electric meter socket configured to form an electrical connection of neutral wires of the electric distribution system, the DER device, and a load; and a plurality of receptacles, each of the plurality of receptacles electrically connected to a corresponding connection point and configured to accept a mating connector of an electric meter.