Wireless Meter Voltage Monitoring via Threshold Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metering networks lack effective monitoring capabilities for status conditions, particularly voltage integrity, which can lead to inefficiencies in energy management and troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for monitoring voltage in wireless metering networks, where each meter samples input voltage, determines average values, and generates indications if beyond predetermined thresholds, with a collector wirelessly communicating these indications to identify and log voltage irregularities across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional metering networks are used without voltage monitoring capabilities, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to detect and monitor voltage status conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The meter is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional energy measurement and recording, plus voltage sampling and status monitoring. The voltage monitoring module integrates into the existing meter structure, allowing the same device to serve both conventional metering purposes and new voltage detection purposes without requiring separate dedicated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage sampling module acts as an intermediary component between the power input and the processing unit. This module captures voltage information and transmits it to the processor, which then determines status conditions based on sampled values. This intermediary approach enables voltage monitoring without fundamentally redesigning the entire meter system.
2Measurement precision
If continuous voltage monitoring is implemented at all meters, then the measurement precision and reliability of voltage status detection is improved, but the use of energy and data transmission volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously monitoring and transmitting all voltage data, the system performs partial action by only generating status indications when voltage thresholds are exceeded. The meter samples voltage continuously for precision, but only communicates when necessary (when status changes or anomalies occur), thereby reducing overall data transmission volume and associated energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage sampling occurs periodically at defined intervals rather than continuously, and status indications are generated periodically based on accumulated sampling data. This periodic approach reduces the frequency of data transmission events, lowering energy consumption for communication while still providing timely detection of voltage status changes.
3Reliability
If voltage monitoring and logging capabilities are added to each meter, then the reliability of energy management and troubleshooting is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage monitoring functionality is segmented into a separate module or integrated circuit that can be independently manufactured and then incorporated into the meter. This segmentation allows specialized voltage sampling components to be produced using optimized processes, while the main meter assembly remains relatively simple, thereby improving reliability of voltage monitoring without proportionally increasing overall manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for monitoring input voltages to meters that are in a wireless metering network. A plurality of entries can be created that include voltage-related information, such as a maximum input voltage or a minimum input voltage. Each meter can further determine whether the input voltage is beyond a predetermined threshold voltage for a duration that might indicate a voltage irregularity in the network. Each meter in the network can be monitored by a collector, which can communicate information to a data collection server.