Configurable Power Meter Channel Pairing for Wiring Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid channel pairings in existing three-phase power meters can lead to errors if wiring is misrouted, limiting flexibility and accuracy in power and energy measurements.
Innovation Solution
A power meter with configurable channel pairs, equipped with sensors for current and voltage measurement, analog-to-digital converters, and a processing module that allows users to customize channel configurations and summation settings through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid pre-defined channel pairs are used in three-phase power meters, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different wiring configurations is poor and measurement errors occur when wiring is misrouted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel configuration where the power meter can adaptively assign voltage and current channels based on detected wiring patterns. The system dynamically adjusts channel pairings rather than being fixed, allowing technicians to configure channels according to actual wiring arrangements, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of channel association by detecting wiring patterns and automatically reconfiguring which voltage channel pairs with which current channel. This parameter change enables the meter to adapt to different wiring standards (such as different phase sequences or terminal arrangements) without requiring physical reconfiguration, thus improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated detection.
2Measurement precision
If rigid channel pairings are used, then the device is easier to operate, but measurement precision deteriorates when wiring is misrouted
Solution Approach 1:
The power meter performs self-diagnosis and self-configuration by automatically detecting the wiring pattern and configuring appropriate channel pairings without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures measurement precision by automatically correcting for misrouted wiring while maintaining ease of operation, as the system handles the complexity of configuration automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the consistency and plausibility of measurements across channels. When misrouting is detected through abnormal measurement patterns, the system provides feedback to trigger automatic reconfiguration or alerts the operator, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving operational simplicity through automated correction.
3Reliability
If configurable channel pairs are implemented, then flexibility and error reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of wiring patterns during initial setup or when anomalies are detected, automatically configuring appropriate channel pairings before measurements are taken. This preliminary action prevents measurement errors by ensuring correct channel associations are established in advance, while the automated nature of this process minimizes the added complexity compared to manual configuration.
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
The solution enhances measurement flexibility, reduces errors, and provides precise computation of electrical parameters across multiple channels, adapting to various electrical distribution system requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor to detect electrical parameters such as current, voltage, power and energy
Implementation Method 2
The sensed analog signals are converted to digital data by at least one analog-to-digital converter
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a power meter designed for monitoring and measuring the electrical parameters of power as it is distributed from an electrical distribution system to various loads. The power meter includes one or more sensors for detecting electrical parameters, such as current and voltage, and at least one analog-to-digital converter that transforms the analog signals from the sensors into digital data. A processing module, in communication with the analog-to-digital converter, is configured to access channel configuration data from a memory source. This channel configuration data establishes a relationship between each current input channel and a corresponding configured voltage. Utilizing this configuration, the processing module calculates various electrical parameters for each input channel based on the corresponding voltage and the current flowing through it. The invention thus allows for precise monitoring and computational assessment of power usage and can be tailored to specific applications through customized channel configurations.