Meter Auxiliary Power Switching for Idle Communication Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electrical energy meters with TIC modules experience significant electrical energy wastage due to auxiliary power supply consumption, even when the module is not connected, posing a challenge in balancing low power consumption when off-load with high power requirements when the module is active, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method to manage the auxiliary power supply by regularly measuring electrical parameters to determine if the communication module is connected, switching to a low-consumption mode when disconnected, and maintaining a nominal mode when connected, utilizing pre-existing sensors to minimize energy usage without hardware modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the auxiliary power supply is kept in nominal operating mode to ensure high power availability when TIC module is connected, then the power supply capability is improved, but the electrical energy consumption increases significantly when the module is not connected
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary power supply dynamically switches between two operating modes (nominal and low consumption) based on the connection status of the TIC module. The control unit monitors the electrical parameter and adjusts the power supply mode accordingly, making the system adaptable to changing conditions rather than remaining static in one mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the auxiliary power supply (specifically the electrical parameter such as current or power) are changed based on the TIC module connection status. When the module is disconnected, the parameter is adjusted to reduce consumption; when connected, the parameter returns to nominal levels to ensure adequate power supply capability.
2Loss of energy
If the auxiliary power supply is optimized with low consumption components to reduce off-load consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to provide high power when TIC module is connected deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary power supply operates in periodic cycles, alternating between low consumption mode (when TIC is disconnected) and nominal mode (when TIC is connected). This periodic switching allows the system to minimize energy waste during idle periods while ensuring adequate power delivery when the communication module requires it.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using fixed low-consumption components that would permanently limit power output, the system dynamically adjusts its operating state based on actual needs. The power supply components operate at different power levels depending on whether the TIC module is connected, achieving both energy efficiency and adequate power capability.
3Measurement precision
If the auxiliary power supply continuously monitors electrical parameters to detect TIC module connection status, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the additional energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring of electrical parameters serves a dual purpose: it continuously detects the TIC module connection status (useful action) while simultaneously providing the data needed to control the power supply mode (useful action). This continuous measurement is essential for the system to function adaptively, and the energy consumed is justified by the significant savings achieved through appropriate mode switching.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
Method for managing an auxiliary power supply (5) of a meter (1), the auxiliary power supply (5) being intended to power a communication module (3) optionally connected to the meter (1), the management method comprising the steps: - measuring, at regular intervals and during a measurement period, an electrical parameter of the auxiliary power supply (5); - determining, based on a measurement of the electrical parameter, whether the communication module (3) is connected to the meter (1) or not; - if the communication module is connected to the meter, putting the auxiliary power supply into a nominal operating mode; - otherwise, putting the auxiliary power supply into a low-power operating mode until a next measurement period.