Multi-Source Power Metering via Neutral Wire Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load power monitoring systems are inefficient in sensing additional energy from renewable sources and incur high costs due to the need for complex and expensive system designs, making it difficult to accurately monitor energy consumption across multiple power sources.
Innovation Solution
A power metering system that integrates an external electric power supply with multiple renewable energy sources, including energy storage and solar power, using distributed power metering devices and a monitoring server to collect and analyze energy data, allowing for accurate monitoring and efficient energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a typical measuring device is added to sense electric energy from additional power sources, then measurement capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The existing power metering device is made multi-functional by enabling it to measure not only electric energy from the external power supply source but also from additional power sources (solar panels, battery) through software-based measurement of current flowing through the neutral wire. This eliminates the need for separate measuring devices for each power source, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing neutral wire and current transformer infrastructure to serve dual purposes: measuring both the current from the external power supply and the current from additional power sources. The power metering device leverages existing system components rather than requiring new dedicated measurement infrastructure, thereby reducing cost and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate measuring devices are deployed for each power source, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single power metering device is designed to perform multiple measurement functions by calculating different electric energy values based on measurements taken from the neutral wire current. The device computes: (1) electric energy from external power supply, (2) electric energy from additional power sources, and (3) total electric energy consumption, all through one unified measurement system, thereby reducing hardware costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to handle multiple power sources, then energy monitoring capability is improved, but system scalability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement approach is segmented into distinct calculation components within the power metering device: measuring current through the neutral wire, separating external power supply current from additional power source current through mathematical calculations, and independently computing electric energy for each source. This modular calculation approach allows the system to handle multiple power sources without increasing physical system complexity.
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 solution enables a high-reliability, cost-effective system for monitoring load power consumption, effectively measuring energy usage from various sources and optimizing energy distribution, thereby reducing system costs and improving monitoring accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first renewable energy source to charge or discharge electric power
Implementation Method 2
a second renewable energy source to generate electric power
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a load power monitoring system includes a distribution board to distribute a electric power applied from a external electric power supply source or a first renewable energy source to an electric device, at least one power metering device to sense electric energy of at least one of the electric power supply source and the first renewable energy source, a second power metering device to sense electric energy distributed to the electric device, a third power metering device to sense electric energy generated from a second renewable energy source, and a monitoring server to collect electric energy data sensed at each of the power metering devices and monitor the load power based on the collected electric energy data.