Integrated Metering Device for Distributed Generation Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current utility meter systems are complex and inefficient in managing the integration of distributed generation devices, such as solar panels and generators, into the grid, as they require separate installations and lack centralized control, leading to increased wiring complexity and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

An integrated metering device that combines an inverter and regulator, transfer switch, utility meter, and distributed generation meter with a communications and metrology module, allowing for centralized control and monitoring of energy flow, simplifying connections and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate devices are used for inverter/regulator, transfer switch, utility meter, and distributed generation meter, then each device can perform its specific function independently, but the device complexity and wiring complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the inverter/regulator device, transfer switch, utility meter, and distributed generation meter into a single integrated metering device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and interconnections required, thereby reducing wiring complexity while maintaining all necessary functions through modular internal architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated metering device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an inverter/regulator for processing distributed generation output, a transfer switch for controlling energy flow direction, a utility meter for measuring grid-to-premises energy, and a distributed generation meter for measuring premises-to-grid energy. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate devices are used for inverter/regulator, transfer switch, utility meter, and distributed generation meter, then each device can be optimized for its specific task, but the ease of operation and centralized control are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask optimizationVSAvoidcentralized control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating multiple devices into one unified system, the patent enables centralized control through a single communication interface. The communications module can receive and process instructions for all functions (inversion/regulation, transfer switching, metering) from a central location, simplifying operation and monitoring compared to managing multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated metering device serves as an intermediary between the distributed generation device, the premises, and the utility grid. It centralizes the control logic and communication interface, acting as a single point of contact for managing energy flow and receiving operational instructions, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If separate devices are used for inverter/regulator, transfer switch, utility meter, and distributed generation meter, then functional redundancy is reduced, but safety hazards and fraudulent connections increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent quantityVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the transfer switch and metering devices within the same housing as the inverter/regulator creates a unified security perimeter. This reduces the number of external connection points and potential unauthorized access locations, thereby reducing safety hazards and preventing fraudulent connections while maintaining functional redundancy through internal design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If separate devices are used for inverter/regulator, transfer switch, utility meter, and distributed generation meter, then installation flexibility is improved, but the productivity and efficiency of grid management are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidgrid management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple functions into a single device, the patent reduces the number of installation steps, mounting locations, and wiring connections required. This streamlines the installation process and improves grid management efficiency by providing a single point of control and communication, reducing the time and resources needed for system commissioning and ongoing management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11223210B2Utility meter for use with distributed generation device

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 LANDIS GYR TECH INC

AI summary

An integrated metering device allows a resource provider to control the output of a distributed generation device onto a resource distribution network or grid. The integrated metering device may include a communications module, a metrology module, an inverter and regulator device, and a transfer switch. A resource provider may communicate with the integrated metering device via the communications module and may control the inverter and regulator device or the transfer switch. The metrology module may monitor the energy provided by the distributed generation device to the grid and may send information about the generated energy to the resource provider via the communications module.