Meter Collar for Plug-in Distributed Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and upgrading of distributed power generation systems (DPGS) at customer sites are hindered by significant costs and time expenditures due to the need for modifications in wiring to comply with safety codes and standards, discouraging frequent technology upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A meter collar with plug-in sockets that enable a DPGS to connect directly to a residential or business structure or the distribution grid, incorporating an overcurrent protection device and locking mechanism, allowing for safe and efficient integration while maintaining compliance with interconnection requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiring modifications are made to accommodate DPGS installation, then safety code compliance is achieved, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electrical connection system into separate modular components: an existing meter socket and a new plug-in module. This segmentation allows the DPGS connection to be added as a discrete unit without modifying the existing wiring infrastructure, thereby maintaining safety compliance while reducing installation time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a plug-in module as an intermediary device between the meter socket and the DPGS system. This intermediary contains the necessary safety features and connection points, allowing compliant DPGS integration without requiring direct wiring modifications to the existing electrical system.
2Reliability
If dedicated electrical circuits are installed to comply with safety codes, then safety requirements are met, but money and time expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-in module is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different DPGS technologies and configurations through standardized sockets. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to support various power generation technologies without requiring custom wiring for each system, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining safety compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter socket and plug-in module infrastructure is installed in advance, creating a pre-configured safe connection point. This preliminary action establishes the safety-compliant interface beforehand, allowing future DPGS connections to be made quickly without requiring costly and time-consuming wiring modifications at the time of installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing wiring is replaced to upgrade to new technology, then system compatibility is improved, but replacement cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic adaptability through plug-in modules that can be easily connected and disconnected. This allows the DPGS technology to be upgraded or replaced by simply changing the plug-in module rather than replacing the entire wiring system, thereby maintaining high adaptability to new technologies while minimizing replacement costs.
4Ease of operation
If plug-in interface is implemented, then upgrade ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of safety features, connection points, and protection mechanisms into a self-contained plug-in module. This extraction allows the main electrical infrastructure to remain simple while providing easy upgrade capability through the modular module, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power meter collar with external electrical connection points enables expedited connection of distributed energy resources to the customer premises or the electric power grid. The meter collar is installed between an electric meter and the meter socket box that the meter would otherwise plug into at the site of a customer who receives two-phase service from an electrical utility company, and has electrical connection points that are electrically upstream and downstream of the meter. It enables “plug and play” connection of on-site power generation resources since the collar includes both a receptacle for a “plug” from on site power generation and overcurrent protection.