Smart Meter Clock Synchronization for Energy-Efficient Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for wireless long-distance transmission of consumption data from consumption meters face challenges such as high energy consumption and limited standby time due to constant radio module operation, and synchronization issues between data collectors and consumption meters lead to drifting time windows, resulting in increased energy usage and reduced availability of data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method that synchronizes the times on both the data collector and consumption meter sides during each remote transmission, allowing devices to switch to an idle state between transmissions, thereby reducing energy consumption and extending standby time, while ensuring reliable and efficient data collection through fixed time windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the radio module operates constantly for bidirectional communication, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and standby time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using fixed time windows for unidirectional data transmission from consumption meters to the data collector. Devices switch to idle state between transmissions, activating only during scheduled time windows. This periodic operation pattern maintains communication reliability while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to constant operation.
2Reliability
If time windows are made larger to accommodate clock drift, then transmission availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by synchronizing the data collector's clock with consumption meter clocks during each data transmission. The data collector receives time information from the consumption meter and adjusts its clock accordingly, preventing time window drift accumulation. This feedback mechanism maintains transmission availability with small, fixed time windows while avoiding the energy waste of larger windows.
3Use of energy by moving object
If unidirectional transmission is used to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to clock drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing clock synchronization feedback during unidirectional data transmissions. The data collector receives precise time information from the consumption meter's clock and synchronizes its own clock accordingly. This feedback mechanism maintains high synchronization accuracy despite the energy-efficient unidirectional transmission mode, preventing time window drift.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves wirelessly transmitting consumption data, which is detected by consumer meters (G1-G10) during remote transmission in time window (ZF1), to a data collector. A position of the window is monitored in a consumer meter side time. A consumer meter side device provided for remote transmission of consumption data is shifted between remote transmissions in a power-saving idle mode that is ended depending upon the consumption meter side time for remote transmission. Data collection side and consumption meter side times are synchronized with the remote transmissions.