Interface Device for Energy Meter Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy meter communication interfaces are not versatile enough to utilize their investment costs effectively, as they are primarily used for transmitting measured values and lack the ability to record and forward data from various sensors to a billing center.
Innovation Solution
An interface device with a communication means using a standardized measured value transmission protocol, capable of receiving sensor data from different types of sensors and converting it into a format suitable for communication, while also enabling bidirectional communication and control output for switching devices, such as solar panels or wind turbines, via an energy meter communication interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If energy meter communication interfaces are used only for transmitting measured values, then the communication infrastructure is simple and reliable, but the device complexity and investment costs are not justified due to limited functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device is designed to perform multiple functions: it records measured values from energy meters, collects additional sensor data (temperature, humidity, light), and transmits all information to the billing center. This multi-functionality justifies the investment by making the communication interface versatile rather than single-purpose
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the energy meter communication interface with additional sensor recording capabilities in a single integrated device. By merging the measured value recording function with environmental sensor collection, the system achieves better utilization of the communication infrastructure without requiring separate systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If the interface device records and forwards additional sensor data beyond measured values, then the versatility and added value for customers increase, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device is designed to perform multiple functions: it records measured values from energy meters, collects additional sensor data (temperature, humidity, light), and transmits all information to the billing center. This multi-functionality justifies the investment by making the communication interface versatile rather than single-purpose
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device automatically collects sensor data, processes it according to the measured value transmission protocol, and transmits it without requiring manual intervention. The device serves itself by integrating the additional functionality into the existing communication framework, minimizing the need for external complex processing systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If the interface device is equipped with bidirectional communication capabilities, then control functions for switching devices are enabled, but the communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device acts as an intermediary between the billing center and switching devices. It receives control commands from the billing center and activates corresponding switching devices, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a dedicated mediation layer that handles protocol complexity centrally
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The interface device (2) comprises a communication unit for communicating with an energy meter communication interface such as a multi-utility-communication controller (MUC-C) or a gateway (12), using a measurement value transmission protocol such that the communication unit transmits the output value in the form of record to the energy meter communication interface, through the measurement transmission protocol. The measurement value transmission protocol is a wireless meter bus(RTM: European standard for meter-reading applications) protocol.