Utility Meter Translation Schema for Resilient Micro-Grid Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility communication systems are vulnerable to natural and manmade disasters, and current communication protocols are cumbersome and inadequate for efficient data exchange, particularly in decentralized environments like micro-grids, leading to potential service disruptions and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a neutral language (IEC 61968-9) for utility meter communications, enabling translation between disparate devices and facilitating decentralized communication within micro-grids, allowing devices to communicate directly without relying on a central hub, and supporting diverse protocols like ANSI C12, IEC-61850, and DLMS/COSEM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central hub communication system is used, then communication control is simplified, but system resilience and independence during disruptions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into decentralized peer-to-peer connections between smart meters and utility systems, eliminating reliance on a single central hub. This segmentation allows local communications to continue during disruptions to central communication infrastructure, improving system resilience while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces communication protocols and translation layers as intermediaries that enable direct peer-to-peer communication between diverse devices. These intermediaries facilitate standardized data exchange without requiring direct physical connection or central coordination, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and resilience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If diverse device protocols are supported, then device compatibility is improved, but communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal communication protocols that can handle multiple device types and protocols through a single standardized interface. The system provides multi-functionality by supporting various measurement types (energy, water, gas) and device protocols through a unified communication framework, improving compatibility while managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter transformation and translation mechanisms that adapt communication parameters dynamically based on device type and protocol requirements. By changing communication parameters rather than requiring different hardware, the system achieves diverse device compatibility without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If centralized communication is used, then system control is simplified, but data exchange efficiency in decentralized environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data exchange into local peer-to-peer communications and centralized management functions. Local devices can exchange data directly without waiting for centralized processing, improving data exchange efficiency in decentralized environments while maintaining simplified control through standardized protocols at the central level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a communication protocol layer as an additional dimension that operates independently from the physical communication infrastructure. This dimensional separation allows efficient data exchange at the local level while maintaining centralized control through the protocol layer, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and data exchange efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An improvement to a utility (U) meter's (M) meter reading schema. The improvement includes a device (D) responsive to a native language with which a meter is programmed to convert communications to and from the meter from that native language into a neutral language. The neutral language is convertible by other meters programmed with different native languages into the native language of a particular meter for meters programmed with different native languages can communicate with each other. This allows facilities within a localized area of a utility's power grid (G) to form into a micro-grid (MG) in which meters programmed with the same or different native languages can communicate with each other without having communications between them routed through a central location of the utility.