Smart Meter Power Management via Pulse-Width Modulated Detection Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart meter systems face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption, particularly due to the intermittent communication nature of the communication board, which is the largest consumer of energy within the meter, leading to inefficiencies and increased power usage during communication activities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first meter board with a communication interface and a second meter board with a metrology interface, where the first board initiates communication activities and provides a signal indicating its presence over a network, allowing the second board to manage power consumption by reducing or eliminating power usage during communication, using pulse-width modulated signals to determine the type of communication activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the communication board continuously monitors and manages power consumption, then power management capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulse-width modulated signals to detect communication activities rather than continuous monitoring. The second meter board receives periodic pulses from the first meter board that indicate when communication activities are occurring, allowing power consumption management only during these periodic detection intervals rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication board (first meter board) automatically generates and transmits detection signals to indicate its own communication activities without requiring external monitoring. This self-service mechanism allows the system to track communication states and manage power consumption autonomously based on actual communication needs.
2Power
If the meter uses a larger power supply to ensure adequate power during communication, then power availability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using periodic pulse signals for detection rather than continuous power management, the system reduces average power consumption during communication activities. This allows the use of smaller power supply components that can handle peak communication power demands without requiring oversized continuous power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power consumption parameters dynamically based on communication activity detection. When communication is detected via the pulse signals, the system adjusts power delivery parameters to meet communication demands; when no communication is detected, power consumption is reduced, allowing smaller power supply components to be used.
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 effectively reduces power consumption during communication activities, optimizing energy usage and enabling smaller, more efficient power supplies by managing electronic device power consumption when the first board is communicating, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the smart meter system.
Implementation Method 1
using pulse-width modulated signals to determine the type of communication activities
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are embodiments of methods and systems for detecting communications of a first meter board and using that detection as an indication to manage power consumption of the meter by a second meter board. In accordance with one aspect, a method is provided for detecting communications of a first meter board by a second meter board. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving a signal, wherein the signal indicates a presence of communication activities between a first processor and another device over a network; and managing power consumption of the meter while the first processor is communicating with the other device over the network.