Electricity Meter Remote Disconnector Power Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electricity meter systems require separate ICPs for power limitation, which are costly and inefficient, and lack a safe method for remote control disconnection to prevent customers from bypassing power limits.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a remote controllable disconnector module within the electricity meter that communicates via power line communication to disconnect specific load circuits when power limits are exceeded, allowing for programmable power limits and safe remote operation without separate power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate ICP is provided for power limitation, then power limiting function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power limitation function into the electricity meter by integrating a controllable switch and control unit within the meter itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate ICP devices, reducing system complexity and component count while maintaining the power limiting function through coordinated control of the switch based on real-time power monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The electricity meter is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously measures power consumption, monitors real-time power levels, controls the controllable switch for power limitation, and communicates with the power company. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate devices into a single universal unit.
2Ease of operation
If remote control capability is added to the power limitation switch, then customer can re-close circuit remotely, but separate power supply is required
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control unit is powered by the load circuit itself through a sampling resistor, making the system self-sufficient. The load circuit provides the necessary power for remote control operation without requiring external batteries or separate power supplies. This self-service approach eliminates additional power supply complexity while enabling remote operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If shunt is used across switch for remote control power, then remote control is powered, but safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a shunt across the main switch, the patent introduces a sampling resistor in series with the load circuit. This local modification extracts power safely for the remote control unit without creating safety hazards. The sampling resistor provides the necessary power while maintaining system safety through its controlled, localized implementation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ICPs with different power limits are provided, then different power limits can be accommodated, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system accommodates different power limits by changing the software parameters and control logic within the single electricity meter, rather than using different hardware ICPs. The control unit can be programmed with different power threshold values and control strategies, providing adaptability for various power limits through parameter modification rather than hardware replacement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective power management by allowing the electricity meter to monitor and enforce power limits, disconnecting only necessary load circuits to prevent overload, while ensuring safety and preventing unauthorized tampering.
Implementation Method 1
transmitter means for transmitting said disconnection command via power line communication over said electric load circuit connected to said power output to at least one remote controllable disconnector module arranged in the electric load circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
An electricity meter (3) for installation in or at a building (100), for measuring the consumption of energy supplied to a customer (A, B) comprises power measuring means (81) for obtaining a measure of power delivered to an electric circuit (16); means (82) for obtaining an amount of electric energy supplied to the electric circuit (16); monitoring means (82) for monitoring whether or not the measure of power delivered to the electric circuit (16) complies with a specified limit; command generating means (82) for generating a disconnection command in response to the measure of power exceeding the specified limit; and transmitter means (6) for transmitting said disconnection command via power line communication over said electric circuit (16) connected to said power output (32) to at least one remote controllable disconnector module (9) arranged in the electric circuit (16, 14).