Automatic Meter Registration via Network Parameter Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy monitoring systems require manual configuration of monitoring devices and data collection systems, leading to inefficiencies and lost data due to the time and resources needed for setup, which involves multiple locations and personnel.
Innovation Solution
The system automatically configures monitoring devices by establishing network communications links to identify network parameters, register with a data collection system, and send nameplate and configuration information, allowing for seamless integration and data transmission without manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is performed for monitoring devices and data collection systems, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but time consumption and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device automatically performs configuration by reading its own nameplate information and network parameters, and transmitting them to the data collection system without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach eliminates the time-consuming manual configuration process while maintaining accuracy through automated data extraction and transmission protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the monitoring device with nameplate information and default network parameters before deployment. When the device connects to the network, it automatically transmits this pre-prepared information to the data collection system, eliminating the need for on-site manual configuration and reducing setup time significantly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is performed by multiple personnel at multiple locations, then comprehensive configuration can be achieved, but resource requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple configuration functions (nameplate reading, network parameter acquisition, data collection system registration) into a single automated process executed by the monitoring device. This merges the roles of multiple personnel and locations into one unified automated configuration sequence, reducing system complexity while maintaining configuration completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both self-configuration and system registration tasks. It can read its own nameplate information, acquire network parameters autonomously, and transmit configuration data to the data collection system, making it a universal configuration solution that eliminates the need for separate manual configuration steps at multiple locations.
3Productivity
If configuration is delayed after meter installation, then installation speed increases, but data loss occurs due to exceeded meter recording capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device automatically performs configuration immediately upon network connection without requiring delayed manual setup. This self-service capability ensures that the device can begin recording and transmitting data immediately, preventing any data loss that would occur if configuration were delayed beyond the meter's recording capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation from installation through configuration to data transmission without interruption. The automated configuration process ensures that the monitoring device remains operational and recording data continuously, eliminating gaps that would occur with delayed manual configuration and preventing loss of recorded information.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for automatically configuring a monitoring device that is attachable to a network coupled to a data collection system. The network has associated network parameters. The monitoring device is coupled to an energy distribution system. The monitoring device measures a characteristic of energy supplied by the energy distribution system and stores data representative of the measured characteristics. A first network communications link is automatically established between the monitoring device and the network, and a host server is contacted to identify network parameters including an address of the data collection system. A second network communications link is automatically established between the monitoring device and the data collection system based on the address of the data collection system. Nameplate and configuration information associated with the monitoring device is communicated from the monitoring device over the network to the data collection system. The registration of the monitoring device in the data collection system is acknowledged based on acceptance of the nameplate information and the configuration information by the data collection system.