Load Meter Location Detection in Solar Energy Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In energy generation systems, particularly solar photovoltaic systems, the inaccurate installation of load meters upstream or downstream from the PV system leads to incorrect energy calculations, resulting in overcharging, wasted energy, and increased costs due to the lack of precise accounting for PV energy production.
Innovation Solution
A method to remotely determine the location of a load meter by analyzing the inverse relationship between load data and energy generation data, allowing the server computer to accurately calculate net load by distinguishing between upstream and downstream installations without physical inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the load meter is installed upstream from the PV system, then the load meter measures the net load (gross load compensated by PV energy), but the installation method does not ensure the load meter is installed upstream, leading to potential inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors load data from the load meter and PV generation data, then uses automated analysis to determine whether the load meter is upstream or downstream. This feedback loop enables the system to detect installation errors and correct for them through automated calculations, ensuring accurate net load measurement regardless of physical installation location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically analyzing the relationship between load data and PV generation data to determine load meter location. The server computer autonomously identifies whether the load meter is installed upstream or downstream and applies appropriate calculation methods, eliminating the need for manual inspection or complex installation procedures.
2Productivity
If the load meter location is not recorded or the electrician is not located to inform the location, then installation is simpler and faster, but the location of the load meter is not known leading to inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual method of recording load meter location (relying on electrician memory or physical tags) with an automated electronic detection system. The server computer analyzes electrical parameters and data relationships to automatically determine load meter location, eliminating the need for manual information recording while maintaining installation speed.
3Device complexity
If the server computer does not know the load meter location, then the system is simpler to operate, but the server computer may inaccurately calculate energy consumed or produced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes calculation parameters based on the detected load meter location. When the load meter is detected as upstream, the system uses one set of calculation parameters to determine net load. When detected as downstream, the system switches to a different calculation approach that accounts for PV generation separately. This parameter adaptation ensures accurate energy calculations without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments include receiving load data from an energy generation (EG) system, where the load data is provided by a load meter, and where the load data corresponds to a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be during peak daylight hours (e.g., between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M). The method includes receiving EG data from the EG system, where the EG data corresponds to EG generation by an EG circuit over the predetermined time period, and determining if an inverse relationship exists between the load data and EG data. The method includes determining that the load meter is installed upstream from the EG circuit if an inverse relationship between the load data and EG data exists, and determining that the load mater is installed downstream from the EG circuit if an inverse relationship between the load data and EG data does not exist.