Self-Powered Utility Meter with Integrated Pressure Regulator

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional utility meters require external power sources, which can be inconvenient and costly to maintain, especially when batteries need regular replacement, and they often require separate pressure regulators to accurately measure utility consumption.

Innovation Solution

A self-powered utility delivery system that generates electrical power using the high pressure of the utility supply to regulate the pressure and power an electronic utility meter, eliminating the need for external power sources and separate regulators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electronic utility meters are used to measure and transmit consumption data, then measurement precision and communication capability are improved, but the need for external power sources increases system complexity and maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumption data measurementVSAvoidpower source requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The utility meter system generates its own electrical power using a power generator driven by the high-pressure utility flow itself. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources such as batteries, allowing the electronic meter to continuously operate and transmit consumption data without human intervention for power replacement or recharging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power generator serves dual functions: it generates electrical power to drive the electronic utility meter and simultaneously acts as a pressure regulator by reducing the high-pressure utility flow to a suitable level for consumption. This multi-functionality integrates power generation and pressure regulation into a single component, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If batteries are used as power sources for utility meters, then continuous operation is enabled, but regular battery replacement is required increasing maintenance effort and loss of time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidbattery replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The utility meter system generates its own electrical power using a power generator driven by the high-pressure utility flow itself. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources such as batteries, allowing the electronic meter to continuously operate and transmit consumption data without human intervention for power replacement or recharging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power generator continuously converts the kinetic energy of the flowing utility into electrical energy, providing an uninterrupted power supply to the electronic meter. This continuous generation process ensures the meter remains operational as long as utility flow exists, eliminating the intermittent downtime associated with battery replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Stress or pressure

If separate pressure regulators are installed upstream from utility meters, then pressure regulation is achieved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutility pressure regulationVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power generator is integrated with the utility meter assembly, combining power generation and pressure regulation functions into a single unified device. This merging eliminates the need for separate pressure regulator components and their associated installation and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power generator serves dual functions: it generates electrical power to drive the electronic utility meter and simultaneously acts as a pressure regulator by reducing the high-pressure utility flow to a suitable level for consumption. This multi-functionality integrates power generation and pressure regulation into a single component, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables continuous, accurate monitoring of utility consumption without the need for external power or separate regulators, allowing service providers to remotely track usage and ensure constant operation of the utility meter.

Implementation Method 1

A self-powered utility delivery system that generates electrical power using the high pressure of the utility supply to regulate the pressure and power an electronic utility meter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure energy conversion: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11088545B2Self-powered utility delivery system

Publication Date: 2021.08.10 NATURAL GAS SOLUTIONS NORTH AMERICA LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a self-powered utility delivery system that includes an energy generator that produces electrical energy and consequently regulates a pressure of utility flowing through the self-powered utility delivery system. 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.