Intermediate Device for Local Electricity Meter Data Presentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for presenting data from communicating electricity meters are costly to implement and manage, provide limited information to customers, and involve delays due to reliance on large infrastructure and energy supplier networks.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an intermediate device electrically powered via connection to the meter, using USB or wired connections, with timestamped and enriched data processing capabilities, and local wireless communication via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing direct data presentation on mobile terminals like smartphones or tablets, reducing infrastructure needs and enhancing customer monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large infrastructure upstream of the meter is used to communicate meter data to customers, then data can be transmitted through the energy supplier's distribution network, but the implementation and management costs become high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data presentation function from the complex energy supplier infrastructure and places it directly at the customer premises through a local display device connected to the meter. This eliminates the need for concentrators, GPRS networks, and supervision centers while maintaining reliable data transmission through a direct physical connection at the meter level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simple intermediate display device as a mediator between the meter and the customer. This local intermediary provides real-time data presentation without requiring complex upstream infrastructure, effectively bridging the gap between meter data and customer information needs.
2Loss of information
If a large infrastructure upstream of the meter is used to communicate meter data to customers, then data can be transmitted through the energy supplier's distribution network, but the information provided to customers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data presentation function from the complex energy supplier infrastructure and places it directly at the customer premises through a local display device connected to the meter. This eliminates the need for concentrators, GPRS networks, and supervision centers while maintaining reliable data transmission through a direct physical connection at the meter level.
3Loss of time
If data must pass through the energy supplier's distribution network before reaching the customer, then centralized control is maintained, but delays occur and customers only receive information periodically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data presentation function from the complex energy supplier infrastructure and places it directly at the customer premises through a local display device connected to the meter. This eliminates the need for concentrators, GPRS networks, and supervision centers while maintaining reliable data transmission through a direct physical connection at the meter level.
Solution Approach 2:
The local display device serves itself by directly accessing meter data through physical connection, eliminating dependency on the energy supplier's distribution network. The device autonomously retrieves and displays consumption information in real-time without requiring centralized control or periodic updates from the utility company.
Data Source
AI summary
The system has an intermediate device (11) comprising a physical connection unit (111) that connects the intermediate device to an electric energy meter (10). A communication interface is configured such that the intermediate device automatically retrieves power consumption data measured by the meter via the connection unit. Another communication interface performs local wireless communication with a mobile terminal (12). A processor instructs the intermediate device to transmit stamped data to the mobile terminal via the latter communication interface. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for displaying output data from an electrical energy meter on a mobile terminal (2) a method for measuring electricity consumption of an apparatus e.g. electrical appliances such as refrigerator or air-conditioner.