IoT Gas Meter CPU Control Module for Real-Time Pricing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas meters face challenges in real-time gas fee adjustment, data feedback, and centralized management due to unreliable data exchange, point-to-point transmission issues, and difficulties in price adjustments, leading to disputes and gas hoarding.
Innovation Solution
An IoT intelligent gas meter system with a CPU control module and data transmission module connected via IoT, allowing for remote computer management, real-time data encryption, and communication through internet protocols like TCP/IP or UDP, enabling centralized management and price adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IC card gas meter is used for payment before use, then gas supply control is achieved, but data exchange reliability deteriorates due to artificial unreliable factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical IC card insertion and data exchange process with an automated electronic recognition system. The gas meter automatically recognizes user identity and performs data exchange through electronic signals, eliminating the need for manual IC card operations and reducing human error in data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas meter system performs automatic recognition, data exchange, and gas supply control without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously completes the entire process from user identification to gas delivery, eliminating artificial unreliable factors in data exchange while maintaining operational control.
2Ease of operation
If gas volume is stored in advance in IC card gas meter, then payment before use is achieved, but real-time price adjustment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pricing system where gas prices are not fixed in advance but can be adjusted in real-time based on current market conditions. The system calculates gas fees based on the actual price at the time of consumption rather than using pre-stored prices, enabling flexible price adjustments while maintaining the payment-before-use model.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pricing parameter from fixed pre-stored values to dynamic real-time values. Instead of storing predetermined gas volumes and prices in the IC card, the system uses electronic recognition to access current pricing information and calculate fees based on actual consumption and current market prices.
3Loss of information
If point-to-point transmission mode is used in remote gas meters, then data transmission is achieved, but transmission stability deteriorates due to external frequency disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data concentrator as an intermediary device between the gas meter and the remote reading system. The data concentrator collects data from multiple gas meters and transmits it through a stable communication channel, reducing the direct exposure of individual meters to external frequency disturbances and improving overall transmission stability.
4Loss of information
If point-to-point transmission mode is used in remote gas meters, then data transmission is achieved, but reading effect deteriorates due to building obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from multiple gas meters at a central data concentrator before transmission. This merging approach allows the system to overcome building obstructions by using centralized transmission points that have better line-of-sight and signal strength, improving the reading effect compared to individual point-to-point transmissions from each meter.
5Adaptability or versatility
If remote gas price adjustment is implemented in volume-based meters, then price flexibility is improved, but volume measurement accuracy deteriorates leading to user disputes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from gas volume to gas energy content. Instead of measuring and billing based on volume (m³), the system measures the actual energy content of the gas supplied and bills accordingly. This parameter change eliminates the conflict between remote price adjustment and measurement accuracy, as users are charged for the actual energy received rather than a fixed volume that may vary with price changes.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses an Internet of things (IoT) intelligent gas meter and its control system. It is a kind of intelligent gas meter consisting of a base meter, a CPU control module and a data transmission module. A gas source outlet and a gas source inlet are installed on the base meter, and an electromechanical valve is installed near the gas source inlet. The CPU control module is connected to the base meter and sends control signals to the base meter. The gas consumption criterion of the base meter can be adjusted via the CPU control module; The said CPU control module includes an EEPROM data storage device; the data transmission module is indirectly connected to the IoT and connected to a remote computer management system via the IoT; the data transmission module receives the control signal from the remote computer management system and feeds back gas consumption information of the gas meter sent by the CPU control module to the computer management system. This invention provides an IoT intelligent gas meter and relevant control system that could be applied to all the gas supply networks with wide scope of application and convenience for promotion.