Electric Meter Misconnection Detection Using PLC Frequency Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting electric meter misconnection are inefficient, often disrupting normal power usage or requiring user cooperation, and can only detect one meter at a time, leading to low detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A non-to-the-home device and method using Power Line Communication (PLC) technology with multiple frequencies, employing a master and slave detection device system to simultaneously detect correspondence between electric meters and users without affecting daily life or power usage, by encoding and modulating communication address information into high-frequency carrier signals for accurate misconnection investigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple electric meters are detected one by one using existing methods, then detection accuracy is maintained, but detection efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by assigning a unique high-frequency carrier signal to each electric meter. The master detection device transmits different frequency signals to different meters simultaneously, allowing parallel detection across multiple meters without interference, thus resolving the contradiction between detection efficiency and detection time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic high-frequency carrier signals with different frequencies for each electric meter. These periodic signals are transmitted simultaneously through the power line, enabling the system to detect multiple meters in parallel while maintaining signal distinguishability through frequency differentiation, thereby improving detection efficiency without sacrificing accuracy
2Measurement precision
If detection devices are installed at user homes to detect misconnection, then detection accuracy is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master detection device installed at the electrical well as an intermediary between the utility company and users. This device transmits high-frequency carrier signals through the power line infrastructure, eliminating the need for slave detection devices in user homes. The power line itself serves as the transmission medium, maintaining detection accuracy while preserving user convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service detection by utilizing the existing power line infrastructure as the communication channel. The master detection device automatically transmits signals and the slave detection device at the user end automatically receives and processes them without requiring user intervention, installation, or cooperation, thus maintaining both detection accuracy and user convenience
3Measurement precision
If power usage is interrupted to detect misconnection, then detection accuracy is improved, but normal power usage is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-frequency electrical vibrations (carrier signals) superimposed on the normal power frequency to encode and transmit detection information. These high-frequency signals ride on top of the normal power supply without interrupting it, allowing misconnection detection to proceed while maintaining continuous power delivery to users
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the electrical signal by superimposing high-frequency carrier waves on the standard power frequency. This allows the detection signals to be transmitted through the power line without affecting the normal power delivery, as the high-frequency components are distinct from and do not interfere with the fundamental power frequency
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
This approach improves detection efficiency by enabling simultaneous detection of multiple electric meters without interrupting power usage or daily life, accurately identifying misconnections through protocol analysis and high-frequency signal processing, enhancing the reliability and speed of the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
The present disclosure provides a non-to-the-home type device and method for detecting misconnection of electric meters based on the Power Line Communication (PLC) technology and using multiple frequencies
Implementation Method 2
The master signal modulation circuit is configured to: encode the communication address information of each electric meter acquired by the master RS485 communication circuit to generate a self-defined protocol and encoded information; acquire the high-frequency signals of different frequencies generated by the master high-frequency signal generation circuit; and modulate the self-defined protocol into the high-frequency signals to generate high-frequency carrier signals
Implementation Method 3
The high-frequency carrier signal detection circuit is provided with a detection antenna, and is arranged at a position close to the user air switch and configured to detect the second high-frequency carrier signal
Implementation Method 4
The high-frequency carrier signal demodulation circuit is configured to demodulate the third high-frequency carrier signal to acquire a target high-frequency carrier signal frequency, and acquire the encoded information and the preset high-frequency carrier signal frequency transmitted by the master detection device
Implementation Method 5
The master signal line trap is connected to the electric meters and is configured to absorb the first high-frequency carrier signal and a high-frequency interference signal transmitted from the power grid to the outlet terminal of the electric meters
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a non-to-the-home type device and method for detecting electric meter misconnection based on the PLC communication technology and using multiple frequencies. The detection device includes a master detection device and a slave detection device. The master detection device acquires address information of different electric meters at the outlet terminals of the electric meters by using RS485 communication. The modulation circuit modulates the communication address information of different electric meters into high-frequency carrier signals of different frequencies, and sends the high-frequency carrier signals to user sides by using the PLC communication technology. A line trap is provided between the modulation circuit and the electric meters. The slave detection device has a high-frequency carrier signal detection antenna. The user side detects the high-frequency carrier signal, demodulates the high-frequency carrier signal to obtain the high-frequency carrier signal frequency and the communication address information of the electric meter corresponding to user.