Residential Gas Meter Pressure Derivation Using Regulator Curves

The patent uses the gas meter as an intermediary device to indirectly measure grid pressure. Instead of placing a pressure sensor directly at the regulator (the traditional approach), the system uses the gas meter's existing pressure sensor to measure downstream pressure and combines this with flow data and regulator characterization curves to calculate upstream grid pressure. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for additional pressure sensors at the regulator while achieving the same measurement objective.

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of directly installing a pressure sensor at the regulator with a computational method. The system uses algorithms that process data from existing sensors (pressure and flow) and regulator characteristics to derive grid pressure through mathematical calculations rather than direct mechanical measurement. This substitution eliminates the need for additional hardware while maintaining measurement capability.

The gas meter performs self-service by using its existing pressure sensor and computational capabilities to derive grid pressure without requiring external pressure transmitters. The system leverages the gas meter's own resources (sensors, processor, communication module) to accomplish the measurement function that would otherwise require separate expensive equipment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional pressure transmitters and their associated communication infrastructure.

The gas meter is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures gas consumption, measures downstream pressure, measures flow rate, and calculates upstream grid pressure. By making the gas meter a multi-functional device that handles both measurement and computation tasks, the system eliminates the need for dedicated pressure transmitters and communication links at the regulator, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining measurement precision.