Meter Winding Resistance Temperature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility meters face issues with wear and corrosion in electrical contacts, leading to increased resistance and power loss, which existing technologies fail to effectively detect and mitigate over time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of meter circuitry to detect temperature rises in contacts by measuring resistance in windings within the meter, using existing components for energy metering, allows for the evaluation of potential issues in current coil connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contacts are used to carry significant current in utility meters, then the meter can perform its measurement function, but wear and corrosion occur leading to increased resistance and power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring the resistance of electrical contacts before degradation becomes severe. The meter detects resistance changes in real-time and can alert utility operators to potential contact degradation, allowing for preventive maintenance before significant power loss occurs. This proactive approach addresses the contradiction by detecting issues early while the meter is still functioning reliably.
2Ease of repair
If electrical contacts are subjected to repeated insertion and removal, then the meter can be replaced or repaired, but wear increases leading to higher contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring and monitoring the resistance of electrical contacts. The meter provides feedback information about contact degradation to utility operators, enabling them to assess whether contacts have been worn through repeated installations and removals. This feedback mechanism allows utility companies to make informed decisions about meter replacement or repair based on actual contact condition data.
3Strength
If spring compression force is reduced over time due to aging or heating, then the meter components can maintain mechanical robustness, but jaw compression force decreases leading to higher resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting resistance changes that result from reduced jaw compression force before they significantly impact measurement accuracy. The continuous resistance monitoring allows utility operators to identify meters where spring force has degraded due to aging or thermal cycling, enabling timely replacement of the spring mechanism or entire meter to prevent reliability issues.
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 enables the detection of degradation in meter contacts, reducing power loss and maintaining accurate energy measurement by identifying temperature-related issues in current coil connections.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a resistance of the winding disposed about a core, wherein the winding has a resistance that varies as a function of temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A method determines temperature information associated with a current coil connection in a meter. The method includes conveying heat from a current coil connection to a location proximate a winding disposed about a core. The core includes an opening through which a current carrying coil is disposed, the current carrying coil carrying current measured by the meter. The method also includes measuring a resistance of the winding disposed about a core, wherein the winding has a resistance that varies as a function of temperature. The method includes determining a temperature value based on the measured resistance and storing or communicating the determined temperature value.