Self-Powered Utility Meter via Pressure-Driven Power Harvester
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional utility meters require external power sources, which can be inconvenient and costly to maintain, especially when located far from power sources, and do not efficiently harness the energy available from high-pressure utility supplies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power harvester into the regulator of the utility delivery system to generate electricity from the pressure regulation of the utility supply, eliminating the need for external power and enabling self-sustaining operation of advanced utility meters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic utility meters are used to enable remote monitoring and data transmission, then measurement precision and automation are improved, but the system requires external power sources which increases device complexity and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator serves itself by generating electrical power through the pressure differential inherent in its operation. The power generation capability is integrated into the regulator structure, allowing it to autonomously power its own electronic metering and communication systems without external power sources or batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator performs multiple functions: pressure regulation, power generation, and metering support. By integrating a power generation mechanism within the regulator structure, a single device fulfills multiple roles that would traditionally require separate components.
2Ease of operation
If batteries are used as power sources for utility meters, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to regular replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator generates its own operating power continuously through pressure differential conversion, eliminating the need for periodic battery replacements and ensuring uninterrupted operation without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generation process operates continuously as long as utility flow exists, providing uninterrupted power supply to the electronic meter and communication systems without the intermittent failures associated with battery depletion.
3Measurement precision
If utility pressure is reduced by a regulator for accurate metering, then measurement precision is improved, but energy is lost in the pressure reduction process
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure differential, traditionally considered wasted energy during regulation, is converted into electrical power through a generator. This transforms the energy loss inherent in pressure reduction into a useful resource that powers the metering and communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the energy lost during pressure regulation, the system recovers it by converting the pressure differential into electrical power through electromagnetic induction, thereby utilizing what would otherwise be wasted energy.
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 self-powered utility delivery system effectively regulates utility pressure for accurate consumption measurement while generating sufficient electricity to power the meter, allowing for remote monitoring and reducing maintenance costs by eliminating the need for battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a power harvester (75) incorporated into the regulator (70) and configured to generate electricity from a pressure of the utility
Implementation Method 2
a water meter comprising a thermoelectric generator for converting a temperature differential into electricity. The temperature differential is based on the temperature in the meter pit which is subjected to outdoor diurnal temperature variations, thus creating the temperature differential necessary for the thermoelectric Seebeck effect.
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger (155) in communication with the utility flow path within the regulator (70) and in communication with the thermoelectric device (154)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a self-powered utility delivery system that includes a regulator that decreases a pressure of the utility flowing through the self- powered utility delivery system while producing electrical energy as a result of pressure regulation. Additionally, the self-powered utility delivery system includes an electronic utility meter that monitors a quantity (e.g., volume) of utility that flows through the self-powered utility delivery system and toward a consumer.