Multi-Port Meter for Modular DER Connection and Islanding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric meters lack standardization for flexible and controlled installation with multiple distributed energy resources (DER) devices, leading to sub-optimal metering and limited control over DER usage.
Innovation Solution
An electric meter with multiple blades and controllable electrical disconnect switches for connecting and disconnecting phases of an electric distribution power source, DER devices, and a load, along with metrology components for precise voltage and current measurement, enabling flexible and controlled metering and disaggregation of energy flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DER devices are connected to an electric meter, then the metering capability and control flexibility are improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric meter is divided into multiple independent blade assemblies, each capable of connecting to a separate DER device. Each blade includes its own disconnect switch and conductive paths, allowing individual control and measurement of energy flows from each DER device. This segmentation enables the meter to handle multiple DER connections while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric meter is designed with universal connectivity capabilities to support multiple types of DER devices (solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage systems, electric vehicles). The meter can simultaneously perform multiple functions: metering energy production, measuring consumption, controlling islanding operations, and managing bidirectional energy flows. This multi-functionality is achieved through standardized blade interfaces and controllable disconnect switches that work across different DER configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If standardized electric meter configurations are used, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but flexibility and control over multiple DER devices are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electric meter incorporates controllable disconnect switches that can dynamically reconfigure the electrical connections between DER devices, the utility grid, and the load. These switches allow the system to adapt its configuration in real-time based on operational requirements, such as enabling or disabling specific DER devices, creating islanded microgrids, or managing bidirectional energy flows. This dynamic reconfigurability provides control flexibility while maintaining a standardized physical meter structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional energy flow metering is implemented, then DER device control and energy management are improved, but measurement precision requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric meter measures energy flows from each DER device through separate blade assemblies with individual disconnect switches and measurement circuits. This segmentation allows independent measurement of bidirectional energy flows for each DER device, improving measurement accuracy by isolating each measurement path. The meter can simultaneously track energy production, consumption, and exchange for multiple DER devices without cross-interference.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric meter is disclosed. The electric meter comprises a first set of conductive paths configured to connect a first phase of an electric distribution power source, a first phase of a first distributed energy resource device, a first phase of a second distributed energy resource device, and a first phase of a load. The electric meter comprises a second set of conductive paths configured to connect a second phase of the electric distribution power source, a second phase of the first distributed energy resource device, a second phase of the second distributed energy resource device, and a second phase of the load. Also disclosed is a method of use of the electric meter and an electric meter system.