Electricity Meter Fire Detection via Supply-Current Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorrect installation of electricity meters can lead to resistance and heating, potentially causing fires, necessitating a fire detection system that can be implemented without modifying the meter and at a reduced cost.
Innovation Solution
An ancillary apparatus mounted on the electricity meter uses a pre-existing interface to transmit fire detection messages by modulating the supply current, incorporating a smoke detection device and temperature sensor to determine if the fire is caused by the meter or external factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fire detection system is implemented in a pre-existing electricity meter, then fire detection capability is improved, but physical modifications to the meter are required
Solution Approach 1:
An ancillary apparatus is introduced as an intermediary device that mounts onto the existing meter without modifying it. This apparatus includes a smoke detection device and a secondary processing unit that communicate with the meter through its existing interface, thereby adding fire detection capability while preserving the original meter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ancillary apparatus serves multiple functions: it detects smoke, processes detection signals, communicates with the meter, and triggers alarms. By consolidating these functions in a single mountable unit, the system achieves comprehensive fire detection without requiring modifications to the meter itself.
2Reliability
If a fire detection system is implemented in a pre-existing electricity meter, then fire detection capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ancillary apparatus is powered by the supply voltage already available at the meter's interface, eliminating the need for separate power wiring. The existing meter interface provides both power and communication pathways, reducing installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The ancillary apparatus leverages the existing meter interface as a mediator for both power supply and data communication. By reusing the established interface infrastructure, the system avoids costly additional wiring and integration work.
3Reliability
If a fire detection system is implemented in a pre-existing electricity meter, then fire detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fire detection functionality is segmented into a separate ancillary apparatus that mounts onto the existing meter. This segmentation isolates the detection complexity in a dedicated module while leaving the original meter unchanged, making the system easier to install and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The ancillary apparatus integrates multiple functions (smoke detection, signal processing, communication, alarm triggering) into a single device, reducing the overall system complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
4Loss of information
If the ancillary apparatus transmits messages by modulating supply current, then communication capability is improved, but the interface must support current modulation detection
Solution Approach 1:
The ancillary apparatus modulates the supply current to transmit messages back to the meter, creating a feedback communication channel. The meter detects these current modulations to receive information from the ancillary apparatus, enabling two-way communication through the existing interface.
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
The system effectively detects fires and provides conclusive proof that the meter is not the cause, ensuring timely alarm messages are sent without physical modifications or significant cost.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary processing unit arranged to transmit at least one message to the electricity meter by modulating a supply current of the ancillary apparatus that is produced by the meter and flows via the at least one primary port and the at least one secondary port
Implementation Method 2
The ancillary apparatus may include a smoke detection device, and the message transmitted to the meter may contain an indication of whether smoke is present outside the meter
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a smoke detection device and temperature sensor to determine if the fire is caused by the meter or external factors
Data Source
AI summary
An ancillary apparatus arranged to be mounted on an electricity meter which includes a primary port to which the electricity meter applies a supply voltage includes a secondary port arranged to be connected to the primary port when the apparatus is mounted on the meter, the apparatus thus being electrically powered by the supply voltage, and a secondary processing unit arranged to transmit a message to the meter by modulating a supply current of the apparatus that is produced by the meter and flows via the primary port and the secondary port.