Metering Communication Device Utility Identifier Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utilities face challenges in efficiently managing and testing metering systems due to the interference of radio frequency energy from communication modules with other circuitry in electricity meters, requiring separate equipment sets for production and test environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a metering communication device that can change its utility identifier from an active to a production or test identifier, allowing operation in different networks and performing accuracy tests in radio test modes, utilizing a processor and memory to store and switch between valid identifiers and operate in various radio modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate equipment sets are used for production and test systems, then testing can be performed without interference, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both production and test networks by switching between different utility identifiers. The device can function as a production meter with a production utility identifier or as a test meter with a test utility identifier, eliminating the need for separate physical equipment sets for production and testing purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through the ability to change its utility identifier at runtime. This dynamic switching capability allows the same physical device to adapt between production and test modes, providing flexibility without requiring multiple static equipment configurations.
2Productivity
If radio frequency energy is transmitted during metering accuracy tests, then communication functionality is tested, but interference with other circuitry occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The testing process is segmented into distinct phases: radio mode evaluation and metering accuracy testing. By separating these functions and performing them in sequence rather than simultaneously, the device can be tested for communication capability without causing radio frequency interference to other circuitry during accuracy measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio mode is evaluated and selected before performing metering accuracy tests. This preliminary action ensures that the communication module is properly configured and any necessary radio frequency management is established prior to conducting precision metering measurements, preventing interference with the test measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A metering device may be configured to communicate with other devices on a plurality of metering communication networks. To enable such communications across various networks, the metering communication device may use an active utility identifier corresponding to the metering network in which it is actively communicating. The active utility identifier may be changed to a valid utility identifier corresponding to another metering network and which may be associated with the metering communication device itself. The metering communication device may use the changed active utility identifier to communicate with other devices on the other metering network having the valid utility identifier. For example, the metering communication device may change the active utility identifier to enable communication a test network from a production network, a production network to a test network, or a first test network to a second test network.