Self-Powered Sensors for Distribution Panel Energy Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy metering systems are insufficient for detailed analysis of energy consumption at a single user level, as they typically measure energy consumption at a central point and are difficult to install and operate, often consuming electrical energy and requiring specialized installation.
Innovation Solution
An energy metering system with self-powered sensors installed near circuit breakers in a distribution panel, using energy harvesting devices to power the sensors, which convert sensor data into electrical load information for individual circuits, allowing for easy deployment and minimal energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional energy metering devices are installed to measure energy consumption at a central point, then total energy consumption can be measured, but detailed analysis of energy consumption at single user level is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy measurement function into multiple distributed sensors, each attached to individual circuit breakers. Each sensor independently measures electrical parameters (voltage, current, power factor) for its associated circuit, enabling detailed per-circuit energy consumption analysis while maintaining system simplicity through modular deployment
2Measurement precision
If fixed energy measurement devices are installed at relevant points of the energy distribution network, then detailed electrical load measurement is achieved, but installation becomes difficult and operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical/wiring-based measurement devices with electronic sensors that attach to circuit breaker surfaces. Sensors wirelessly transmit data, eliminating the need for physical connection to electrical terminals, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining accurate electrical load measurement capabilities
3Measurement precision
If intermediate measurement devices are plugged in between wall outlets and devices, then electrical devices causing high electrical load can be identified, but the devices consume electrical energy and are difficult to install permanently
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors are powered by harvesting electrical energy from the electromagnetic fields generated by the circuit breakers themselves. This self-powering mechanism eliminates the need for separate power supplies or battery replacements, allowing permanent installation while consuming minimal additional electrical energy from the monitored circuits
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 a detailed assessment of electrical energy consumption at a site with minimal energy usage and easy installation, providing fine-grained analysis of power usage and aiding in energy management and cost optimization.
Implementation Method 1
at least one energy harvesting device for powering the plurality of sensors, wherein the at least one energy harvesting device is arranged in front of a protective cover of the distribution panel covering the plurality of electrical circuits
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an energy metering system for determining electrical loads of a distribution panel, sensor devices, and fuse boxes for an energy metering system. The energy metering system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing an electrical load of the plurality of circuit breakers and providing corresponding sensor data, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in proximity to a plurality of circuit breakers of the distribution panel. The energy metering system also includes a data processing system for converting the sensor data of the plurality of sensors into electrical load information for a plurality of electrical circuits protected by corresponding circuit breakers, and at least one energy harvesting device for powering the plurality of sensors. The at least one energy harvesting device is arranged in front of a protective cover of the distribution panel covering the plurality of electrical circuits.