Electricity Meter Current Limiting for Peak Consumption Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for reducing electricity consumption, such as electricity load shedders, are expensive and complex to implement, requiring specific installations at user locations.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring method integrated into electricity meters that selectively limits or cuts off current supply based on predetermined thresholds and conditions, allowing for simple and cost-effective control of electricity consumption without the need for personalized installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electricity load shedders are used to reduce electricity consumption, then energy savings are achieved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the load shedding functionality directly into the electricity meter by integrating a current limiter and cutoff member within the meter housing. This combines two previously separate functions (metering and load control) into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate load shedder installations and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electricity meter is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures electricity consumption, limits current when thresholds are exceeded, and can completely cut off power supply. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate dedicated load shedding devices, making the solution universally applicable to all meter installations without requiring additional specialized equipment.
2Loss of energy
If electricity load shedders are installed at user locations, then current draw control is achieved, but the ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the load control functionality into the existing meter manufacturing process, the patent eliminates the need for separate field installations of load shedders. The current limiter and cutoff member are manufactured as integral parts of the meter, allowing for standardized mass production and simplified deployment across multiple locations without requiring technician intervention for additional device installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors electricity consumption and autonomously activates current limiting or cutoff functions when predetermined thresholds are exceeded, without requiring external control systems or manual intervention. This self-regulating capability simplifies deployment by eliminating the need for complex control wiring or remote management infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring method uses an electricity meter arranged to measure an electricity consumption of an installation and including a current limiter arranged to selectively limit a current supplied to the installation. The monitoring method includes he steps, repeated each current day, for each current period of a predetermined set of at least one successive period defined in the current day, of: verifying a first predetermined condition associated with said current period; if the first predetermined condition is verified, activating the current limiter to limit the current supplied to the installation until the end of said current period.