Meter Collar Load Management With Integrated Overcurrent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into the electrical grid poses challenges in managing and protecting electric loads, particularly in ensuring that electrical loads do not exceed the utility service rating of residential power systems.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a meter collar adapter with a load management device that provides overcurrent protection and controls electrical loads to external electric equipment, such as electric vehicles, through an interface circuit, adjustable electrical switch, and energy management unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If distributed energy resources are integrated into the electrical grid, then energy efficiency and renewable energy utilization are improved, but electrical load management complexity and overcurrent risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load management device is nested within the meter collar adapter housing, creating a compact integrated system. The interface circuit, adjustable electrical switch, energy management unit, and overcurrent protection device are all contained within the same housing as the meter collar adapter, eliminating the need for separate external load management equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter collar adapter is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a meter collar adapter for electrical connection and houses a complete load management system. The adjustable electrical switch can control different levels of electrical load, the energy management unit can monitor and manage energy consumption, and the overcurrent protection device provides safety protection, all within a single universal device.
2Power
If electrical load to external equipment is increased, then power delivery capability is improved, but overcurrent protection requirements and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The overcurrent protection device is pre-configured and integrated into the load management device before electrical connection to external equipment. The adjustable electrical switch is pre-set with specific load levels, and the energy management unit is pre-programmed with safety parameters. This preliminary configuration ensures that overcurrent protection is already in place before any high-power operation begins, preventing safety risks rather than responding to them after they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management unit continuously monitors electrical load conditions and provides feedback to the adjustable electrical switch. When the monitored current approaches or exceeds safe limits, the energy management unit automatically adjusts the electrical switch to reduce the load, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains reliable overcurrent protection while maximizing power delivery capability within safety boundaries.
Data Source
AI summary
A meter collar adapter including a housing, a plurality of contacts to electrically connect the meter collar adapter to a meter socket and to a utility meter, and a load management device within the housing to manage electrical load to an interface circuit with external, co-located electric equipment. The load management device includes an interface circuit to electrically connect to either the line side or load side of an electrical service via the utility meter an external, co-located electric equipment. An interface contact to electrically connect the co-located electric equipment to the interface circuit, an overcurrent protection device electrically connected in series with the interface circuit, an adjustable electrical switch electrically configured to control electric load, and an energy management unit to control, monitor, and/or report a position of the adjustable electrical switch to manage the electrical loads.