Electric Power Distribution Metering System with Energy Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric power distribution systems and metering methods are inadequate for accurately accounting for energy usage, especially with the integration of electric vehicles and other special loads, leading to inefficiencies and punitive billing structures that are not mutually beneficial for utilities and consumers.
Innovation Solution
An electric power distribution system that includes a first device exchanging electric power with multiple second devices, each metering energy and using a processor to compare and determine proper operation by summing and verifying the energy exchanged, allowing for precise metering and detection of improper operation or tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional glass bulb meters are used for energy measurement, then the metering system is simple and cost-effective, but the system cannot accurately account for energy usage in complex distribution scenarios with multiple devices and special loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the metering system into multiple independent metering devices, each capable of measuring energy at its own location. Instead of using a single complex meter, the system segments measurement functions across multiple devices that can independently account for energy usage in different parts of the distribution system, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring one overly complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates metering devices that perform multiple functions: they measure energy, communicate with other devices, verify measurements through comparison, and detect tampering. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high measurement accuracy while using standardized devices rather than specialized complex equipment for each function
2Reliability
If statistical sampling plans are used to verify meter accuracy, then the testing process is practical for large meter deployments, but the verification is insufficient to ensure individual meter accuracy and detect improper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where metering devices continuously communicate their measurements to a central system or to each other. The processor compares measurements from multiple devices and provides feedback on whether they are consistent, enabling continuous verification of meter accuracy without requiring manual testing of each individual meter
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by having metering devices compare their own measurements against measurements from other devices in the network. This self-service approach allows the system to verify meter accuracy autonomously without requiring external testing resources, thereby maintaining both reliability and productivity
3Reliability
If traditional one-way communication meters are used, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the system cannot detect tampering or provide real-time monitoring of energy usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary between metering devices and the central system. This intermediary enables two-way communication, allowing meters to send data and receive commands, while the processor uses this communication channel to detect tampering and monitor energy usage in real-time without requiring complex embedded systems in each meter
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through two-way communication to detect tampering. When a metering device detects unusual patterns or when measurements from multiple devices are inconsistent, the communication system provides feedback to the central processor, which can then investigate and respond to potential tampering events
4Productivity
If punitive billing structures are implemented for special loads like electric vehicles, then utilities can manage demand during peak hours, but the billing structure becomes inefficient and creates mutual detriment between utilities and consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback-based billing where the system continuously monitors energy usage patterns and provides information to both utilities and consumers about actual energy consumption and cost implications. This feedback enables dynamic pricing structures that reflect real-time grid conditions and encourage efficient energy utilization without arbitrary punitive charges
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes billing parameters dynamically based on actual energy usage patterns, time of day, and grid conditions. Instead of fixed punitive rates, the billing structure adapts parameters such as pricing tiers and rate structures to reflect actual energy costs and utilization efficiency, creating a more fair and efficient system for both utilities and consumers
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power distribution system is used with an electric power source. The electric power distribution system includes a first device exchanging first electric power with the electric power source. The first device exchanges the first electric power with a plurality of second devices and meters first electric energy corresponding to the first electric power. The second devices exchange the first electric power with the first device. Each of the second devices exchanges second electric power as at least part of the first electric power with a number of corresponding electric loads and meter second electric energy corresponding to the second electric power. A processor includes a routine that compares the metered first electric energy from the first device with a sum of the metered second electric energy from each of the second devices, and responsively determines proper or improper operation of the electric power distribution system.