Multi-mode Meter Consolidating PV and Battery Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical measurement systems for households with complex energy generation and storage setups, such as PV systems and battery storage, require multiple meters and complex power supplies, leading to increased installation effort, equipment redundancy, and high energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A modular system comprising sensor modules and a centralized evaluation and communication unit, where sensor modules measure and transmit data to a single evaluation unit, reducing the need for redundant displays and power supplies, and enabling a simplified, calibrated measurement system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple meters are used for complex measurement situations (PV systems, battery storage, feed-in systems), then all necessary energy quantities can be legally recorded, but the number of components increases and installation effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with legal metrology requirementsVSAvoidnumber of meters and components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement functions (feed-in metering, consumption metering, PV measurement, battery measurement) into a single multi-functional meter. This single meter integrates multiple counters and measurement capabilities that previously required separate meters, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining legal compliance for recording all necessary energy quantities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal meter capable of performing multiple measurement tasks simultaneously - it can measure feed-in energy, consumption energy, PV generation, and battery storage operations all through one device. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized separate meters for each function, simplifying the overall measurement system while ensuring all legal metrology requirements are met.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple meters with displays are used, then all measured variables can be displayed, but auxiliary power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of measured informationVSAvoidauxiliary power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple display functions into a single display unit within the multi-functional meter. Instead of having separate display units for each meter (feed-in meter, consumption meter, PV meter, battery meter), all measured variables are presented through one shared display, significantly reducing the total power consumption while ensuring all measurement information remains accessible to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If each meter has its own display and power supply, then each meter can operate independently, but the system requires complex stabilized power supply and increases energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational independence and accuracyVSAvoidpower supply complexity and consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple independent power supply units into a single shared power supply system for the multi-functional meter. This consolidated power supply serves all measurement and display functions simultaneously, reducing the total power consumption and eliminating the need for multiple complex stabilized power supplies while maintaining the reliability and accuracy of all measurement functions through proper power distribution and stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3736579B1Multi-mode meter
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 INNOGY SE
  • EP3736579B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3736579B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3736579B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The subject matter relates to a device comprising: at least one power supply unit; a device for evaluating and/or storing information; wherein one or more pieces of information are receivable from one or more devices for acquiring information that can be connected to the device, wherein the one or more pieces of information are indicative of one or more electrically detectable quantities that have been detected by one of the respective devices for acquiring information that can be connected to the device, wherein the one or more devices for acquiring information that can be connected to the device can be supplied with electrical energy by the at least one power supply unit.